Advances in Applied Sociology
2013. Vol.3, No.6, 246-252
Published Online October 2013 in SciRes (http://www.scirp.org/journal/aasoci) http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/aasoci.2013.36033
Copyright © 2013 SciRe s . 246
The Perception of Children on Child Sexual Abuse:
The Case of Children in Some Selected Schools
in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Solomon Sika-Bright , Chinyere C. P. Nnor om
Department of Sociolog y & Anthropology , University of Ca p e Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Received July 22nd, 2013; revised August 22nd, 2013; accepted August 29th, 2013
Copyright © 2013 Solomon Sika-Bright, Chinyere C. P. Nnorom. This is an open access article distributed un-
der the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the o riginal work is proper ly cited.
Children are mostly the victims of child sexual abuse however, most children have little or no idea about
what child sexual abuse entails and the forms it takes. In addition, the opinions of children have mostly
been neglected in cases of child sexual abuse. The study therefore was carried out to explore how much
children know about child sexual abuse and to suggest ways of publicising the phenomenon among chil-
dren. A proportional sample of 256 children was selected from five public basic schools in the Cape Coast
Metropolis to participate in the study. From interviews with the children, varied ideas were obtained.
Parenting styles, child’s age, child’s educational level and sex of the child were found to influence the
perception of the child on child sexual abuse. The cultural belief of “sex as a secret” was also found to be
integrally related to child’s perception on sexual abuse in Cape Coast. Recommendations are made and
the most important thing that the Ghana Education Service should intensify is sex education in the basic
schools’ curriculum to enable them to identify and report such cases whenever experienced.
Keywords: Abuse; Cape Coast; Child; Sexual; Ghana; Perception
Introduction
Child sexual abuse (CSA) has always been and still is, to a
large extent, a problem for both parents and professionals
world-wide. Children are mostly the victims of child sexual
abuse (UNICEF, 2008; Leach et al., 2003). According to the
World Health Organization, approximately one in every three
children is a victim of CSA (Krug, Dahlberg, Mercy, Zwi, &
Lozano, 2002). However, most children have little or no idea
about child sexual abuse and the forms it takes. Children all
over the world are being subjected to horrific forms of sexual
victimization by adults who are supposed to be protecting them,
and in some cases, by their own parents, siblings and relatives
(Parrot & Cummings, 2008). The effects of CSA on children
are very devastating and have both short and long term conse-
quences. A lot of CSA cases go unreported (Draucker & Mart-
solf, 2006; Finkelhor, 1986) and the phenomenon is still on the
increase (Draucker & Martsolf, 2006). Prevalence rate of sexual
abuse has been difficult to determine for various reasons; esti-
mates have widely varied as a result of different definitions of
the term and the sensitive nature of the phenomenon accompa-
nied by shame and stigma experienced by victims makes it dis-
incentive to report its occurrence (Saewyc, Pettingell, Lara, &
Magee, 2003). World Health Organization (WHO) estimates
that about 223 million children (150 million girls and 73 mil-
lion boys) have experienced forced sexual intercourse or other
forms of sexual violence globally (United Nations on Violence
Against Children [UNVAC], 2006).
Current studies carried out by the United Nations indicate
that sexual abuse within schools is a widespread but largely
unrecognized problem in many countries. The closed nature of
the school environment means that children can be at great risk
of sexual abuse in schools (Leach, Fiscian, Kadzamira, Lemani,
& Machakanja, 2003). The Ghanaian situation is not different.
Studies have shown that child sexual abuse is a problem in
schools (Leach et al., 2003; Brown, 2002). For instance, Brown
(2002), studying public schools, discovered that 11 percent of
the children studied had been victims of either rape or defile-
ment. Leach et al. (2003) revealed in their study that 27 percent
of the female respondents had been propositioned by their
school teacher. Another study conducted in 2003 found out that
6 percent of the girls studied had been victims of sexual black-
mail by teachers over class grades, and 14 percent of rape cases
had been perpetrated by school mates, while 24 percent of the
boys in the survey admitted to having raped a girl or having
taken part in a collective rape (UNICEF, 2008).
All of us have different attitude towards sexuality and how it
should be expressed. We may be negative, positive, possibly
reluctant or embarrassed but never entirely indifferent. Public
perceptions and attitudes concerning child sexual abuse are im-
portant, especially those of children because such perceptions
can affect the reporting of sexual abuse, the prosecution of per-
petrators, and the provision of clinical services (Baron, Burgess,
& Kao, 1991; Dawes, 1988). Besides, empirical research on the
perceptions of children on child sexual abuse has been lacking.
The study fills a gap by undertaking to explore what children
know about CSA.

S. SIKA-BRIGHT, C. C. P. NNOROM
Copyright © 2013 SciRe s . 247
Some Conceptual Definitions
Like several phenomena in the behavioural and social sci-
ences, CSA does not lend itself to a single definition. Defini-
tions of child sexual abuse are usually based on the values and
orientations of the individuals, communities and societies (San-
derson, 2006; Webster, 2001). According to Wurtele and Mil-
ler-Perrin (1992), defining child sexual abuse is confronted
with difficulties due to cultural differences and time bound
nature of the phenomenon. The main focus of some definitions
is the age at which the abuse is committed (Brown & Finkelhor,
1986; Webster, 2000) however, others place much emphasis on
what qualifies as an abuse (Draucker & Martsolf, 2006; San-
derson, 2006; Webster, 2001). Some researchers adopt a con-
servative definition of CSA which focuses on fondling, at-
tempted intercourse, and intercourse (Himelein & McElrath,
1996). Proulx and colleagues (1995), for instance, included in
their definition everything from unwanted kissing of the but-
tocks to insertion of objects into an orifice. Based on differ-
ences as to how researchers operationalise CSA, it appears to
be a daunting task to accurately define CSA. Meanwhile, other
researchers adopt definitions that are very broad in the actions
that constitute sexual abuse. However, this paper adopts San-
derson’s (2006: p. 25) definition of CSA as the “involvement of
dependent children and adolescents in sexual activities with an
adult or any person older or bigger, where there is a difference
in age, size or power, in which the child is used as a sexual
object for the gratification of the older person’s needs, or de-
sires to which the child is unable to give informed consent due
to the imbalance of power or any mental or physical disability”.
The meaning of the term “sexual” is very central to the defi-
nition of CSA. However, sexuality varies across cultures and
individuals (Sanderson, 2006). For example, should “sexual” be
operationally defined as sexual intercourse, it would limit the
number of reported cases of CSA. However, if one expands the
definition to include inappropriate touch such as fondling or
“showing or using a child in the production of pornography”
(Sanderson, 2006: p. 25) the probability of higher prevalence
rates increases (Sanderson, 2006). Falling out of Sanderson’s
definition, sexual abuse often involves direct physical contact,
touching, kissing, fondling, rubbing, oral sex, or penetration of
the vagina or anus. Sometimes a sex offender may receive grat-
ification just by exposing himself to a child, or by observing or
filming a child removing his or her clothes. Offenders often do
not use physical force, but may use play, deception, threats, or
other coercive methods to engage youngsters and maintain their
silence. Let us now consider some effects of child sexual abuse.
Effects of CSA
It has been reported in the literature that children who are
victims of sexual abuse are likely to suffer significant and long-
term psychological distress and dysfunction (Briere, 1992).
Finkelhor (1994) examined prevalence rates of CSA in 19
countries and found that all studies looking at long-term impli-
cations of CSA reported a relationship between histories of
CSA and mental health issues later in life. According to Follette
and Pistorello (1995), survivors of sexual abuse often suffer a
disruption in trust in intimate relationship. Similarly, if the
perpetrator is a relative or acquaintance, victims of child sexual
abuse are less likely to report the offence, or they are likely to
disclose the abuse after a delay (Arata, 1998; DiPetro, 2003;
Hanson et al., 1999; Smith et al., 2000; Wyatt & Newcomb,
1990).
Women survivors have also been found to be less able to
provide adequate parenting and as offering less emotional sup-
port to their male partners (Webster, 2001). According to Briere
(1992) the most common cognitive distortions are viewing one-
self in a negative light, the perception of being helpless and
hopeless, as well as an inability to trust other people. These
changes in cognitions can impact one’s emotions. Feelings of
fear and sadness as well as depression are also noted effects of
CSA (Davis & Petretic-Jackson, 2000; Johnson & Williams-
Keeler, 1998; Sanderson, 2006). Research has also indicated
that female survivors of CSA are at an increased risk of devel-
oping major depression (Kendler, Khun, & Prescott, 2004;
Whiffen, Thompson, & Aube, 2000).
Theoretical Issues
The study is informed by the symbolic interaction perspec-
tive. Karp and Yoels (1993) define symbolic interactionism as
“a theoretical perspective in sociology that focuses attention on
the processes through which persons interpret and give mean-
ings to the objects, events, and situations that make up their
social worlds” (p. 31). In Mind, Self, and Society (1934), Mead
explained how behaviours are constructed from a symbolic
interactionist’s perspective.
The development of the self is central to symbolic interac-
tionism. This happens as an individual imaginatively constructs
the attitudes of others about a particular role, and thus antici-
pates the reaction of the other (Bailey, 2001). It must be noted
however that not all “others” are equally influential in con-
structing the self. Three categories of “others”—the generalized
other, reference groups and significant other—exert various
forms of influences on the construction of the self: the “gener-
alized other”, the widespread cultural norms and values we use
as reference in evaluating ourselves (Macionis, 2000). Media
portrayals of child sexual abuse cases are the generalized others
helping the formation of children’s perception about the prac-
tice.
“Reference groups” are social groups to which people may or
may not belong but use as a standard for evaluating their values,
attitudes, and behaviours (Merton & Rossi, 1950 in Anderson
& Taylor, 2006). “Significant others” are considered actual
influential people with whom an individual interacts.
Perception on child sexual abuse can be framed in symbolic
interaction terms. Individuals in society go through the process
of socialization to form their perception about all forms of be-
haviour in society. Such perceptions, in one way or the other,
shape the individual’s behaviour. When forming these percep-
tions, the individual varies both the relative benefits of the be-
havior and the influences of a key reference groups and/or sig-
nificant others. That is if a child’s family abhors CSA, that
child then has a reference group that may influence how he/she
perceives CSA as a behaviour that must not be tolerated. How-
ever, such a perception could change if a key significant other
supports and encourages CSA. Through this process, percep-
tions about behaviours are formed. Formation of perception,
therefore, is an activity with symbolic importance for most
people.
Subjects and Methods
Study Area
The study was conducted in Cape Coast Metropolis. The

S. SIKA-BRIGHT, C. C. P. NNOROM
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248
Cape Coast Metropolitan is bounded on the south by the Gulf
of Guinea, west by the Komenda/Edina/Eguafo/Abrem Munici-
pal, east by the Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese District and north
by the Twifu/Hemang/Lower Denkyira District. The Metropolis
covers an area of 122 square kilometers and is the smallest
Metropolis in the country. The capital, Cape Coast, is also the
capital of the Central Region. The Metropolis is known as the
educational basket of the country as it houses a lot of schools
including a polytechnic and a university. The main economic
activities among the members in the Metropolis are fishing,
trading and farming (Ghana News Agency, 2011). Cape Coast
Metropolis was selected purposely because of its heterogeneous
inhabitants.
Design
The study adopted a descriptive cross sectional survey design.
This design sought to elicit facts and information on children’s
perception on the nature, spread, and reasons for perpetuation
of child sexual abuse among school children in the study area.
Study Populatio n
The population of the study was made up of all basic school
children aged between 12 and 17 years in five basic schools in
the Metropolis. Two of the five basic schools are located in the
university community, namely Amamoma and Akotokyir. The
other three schools were located in Pedu, Brofoyerdru, and Ba-
kaano. This implies that pupils in five Junior High Schools
(JHS) in the metropolis were the target population.
Sampling Procedure
The primary respondents of the study comprised school chil-
dren in Junior High School (JHS) 1, 2, and 3. The study em-
ployed various sampling techniques in selecting the respon-
dents. The five basic schools were purposively selected because
of easy access to information. In each school, quota sampling
was adopted based on the number of pupils in each class. When
the quota for each class was determined, simple random sam-
pling in the form of the lottery method was adopted to select
individual pupils within each class. In all 256 respondents were
selected to participate in the study.
Techniques of Data Collection
The study utilised both primary and secondary methods of
investigation. Primary data were obtained from interviews with
respondents. The interview schedule was designed to collect
primary data from sampled children. The instrument was pre-
tested and redrafted. Permission was sought from heads of the
schools where respondents were selected. The respondents were
assured of confidentiality of disclosures; they were also in-
formed of the purpose of the study and their right to withdraw
from the study at any time. Debriefing was done at the end of
the process. Secondary sources of information for the study
included child sexual abuse studies conducted internationally
and in Ghana. The data was collected over a period of four (4)
weeks. Two research assistants were employed and given a
day’s workshop to familiarise them on how to conduct such
sensitive interviews as child sexual abuse, the import of the
questions in the questionnaire and translation of the questions
from English into the local dialect of the study areas.
Data Analysis
Data collected from the respondents was edited, coded, and
analysed for common themes, patterns and inter-relationships.
The coded data was analysed using Statistical Product for Ser-
vice Solutions (SPSS) version 16 for Microsoft Windows. De-
scriptive statistics were produced and relevant statistical charts
and tables were used to present the data as shown in the results
below.
Results
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
The most important socio-demographic variables describing
the children interviewed in this study are summarized in Table
1. Children’s ages ranged from 10 - 17 years with a mean age
of 13.14 years (Table 1). The majority (71.5%) of the children
interviewed were between 10 and 14 years of age, while 73
children representing 28.5% were aged between 15 and 17
years. In addition, most respondents (55.1%) interviewed were
females. This indicates the high level of female enrolment at
the basic level. All the respondents interviewed were at the JHS
level. However, 59.4% were in JHS three compared with ap-
proximately 6% who were in JHS one. Respondents indicated
their ethnicity as shown in Table 1. The findings indicated that
a lot of the respondents (73%) were Akans. Cape Coast is Akan
dominated area and this confirms their preponderance in the
study area. Meanwhile there were 19 (7.4%) Hausas. The ma-
jority of the respondents (67.6%) were staying with their par-
ents, whereas 2.3% were staying with their friends.
The Perception of Children on Child Sexual Abuse
The cardinal objective of this paper was to explore the per-
ceptions of children on child sexual abuse. As such the respon-
dents were asked several questions to elicit response in this
regard. On whether the respondents have heard of child sexual
abuse, their responses show they have heard of it. The study
asked their source of information on child sexual abuse and
their responses are indicated in Table 2. Teachers emerged as
their main sources of information about child sexual abuse as
155 expressed so compared with thirty-six (36) respondents
who reported that their parents were their sources of informa-
tion. When source of information on CSA was cross-tabulated
with sex, age and JHS level, certain trends were realised. Fe-
males were more likely to obtain information on CSA from
parents (17.7%) and teachers (64.5%) than their male counter-
parts (9.6% and 55.7% respectively) (Table 2). However males
were more comfortable in receiving information on CSA from
friends (20.9%) than females (3.5%). Respondents within the
ages of 10 - 14 were also more likely to talk to other adults than
their teachers about CSA. The majority (67.8%) of respondents
in JHS three were more likely to mention their teachers as their
sources of information on CSA.
The respondents expressed diverse knowledge about child
sexual abuse. On whether the respondents were aware that chil-
dren may be sexually abused by family members and friends, as
many as 14% had no idea. However, 43% respondents each
reported yes and no respectivel y.
On whether it is good for anyone to ask a child to undress
and expose his or her genitals, most of the respondents (81.6%)
responded in the negative. However, approximately 15% felt it

S. SIKA-BRIGHT, C. C. P. NNOROM
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Table 1.
Socio-demographic charac teristics of chi l dr e n .
Characteristic Frequency (N = 256) Percent
Age
10 - 14 183 71.5
15 - 17 73 28.5
Sex
Male 115 44.9
Female 141 55.1
Class Leve l
JHS One 15 5.9
JHS Two 89 34.8
JHS Three 152 59.4
Ethnicity
Akan 187 73.0
Ewe 29 11.3
Ga/Adangbe 21 8.2
Hausa 19 7.4
People respondents stay with
Parents 173 67.6
Grandparents 45 17.6
Siblings/other family 32 12.5
Friends 6 2.3
Source: Fieldwork, 2012.
Table 2.
Source of CSA information by demographic vari a b le s .
Source of inf ormation about child sex ual abuse
Variable Parents
N = 36
(%)
Grand
parents
N = 19 (%)
Siblings/
other family
N = 17 (%)
Friends
N = 29
(%)
Teacher
N = 155
(%)
Male (9.6) (7.8) (6.1) (20.9)(55.7)
Sex Female (17.7) (7.1) (7.1) (3.5) (64.5)
10 - 14 y (12.0) (7.1) (6.0) (12.6)(62.3)
Age 15 - 19 y (19.2) (8.2) (8.2) (8.2) (56.2)
JHS 1 - (33.3) (33.3) - (33 .3)
JHS 2 (20.2) (10.1) (5.6) (11.2)(52.8)
JHS
level JHS 3 (11.8) (3.3) (4.6) (12.5)(67.8)
Source: Fieldwork, 2012.
was good. The majority (58.6) of respondents reported that it
was not good for an adult to ask you to look at pornographic
pictures or films (Table 3). However the category of respon-
dents who believed it is good for adults to ask you to watch
pornographic pictures or movies was substantial (41.4%). This
indicates that children are more likely to watch pornographic
pictures or films when asked to do so by an adult. This may be
because of the belief that adulthood entails wisdom and so an
advice by an adult may not be considered ill will.
The respondents were also of the view that it is not good for
an adult or an older child to ask them to have sexual intercourse
Table 3.
Knowledge responde n t have about child sexual abuse.
Variable Yes
N(%) No N(%) Don’t know N(%) Total N(%)
That childre n may be
sexually abused by family
friends or family mem bers
110
(43.0) 110 (43.0) 36 (14.0) 256 (100)
To let adult know when
anyone sexua lly abuse you 130 (50.8) 100 (39.1) 26 (10.2) 256 (100)
That it is good for an adult or
an older child to ask yo u t o undress
and show him/her your genitals
38
(14.8) 209 (81.6) 9 (3.5) 256 (100)
That it is good for an adult or an
older child to ask you to look at
pornographic picture s or films
106
(41.4) 150 (58.6) - 256 (100)
That it is good for an adult or an
older child to ask you to ha ve
sexual intercourse
67
(26.2) 182 (71.1) 7 (2.7) 256 (100)
That it is good for an adult or an
older child to insert his/her fingers
or other objects into your body
47
(18.4) 209 (81.6) - 256 (100)
That it is good for an adult or
an older child to fondle,
caress or kiss you
64
(25) 187 (73) 5 (2.0) 256 (100)
Source: Fieldwork, 2012.
as the majority (71.1%) was in this category. The respondents
also believed that it is not good for an adult to insert his or her
fingers or other objects in to their bodies as 81.6% of the re-
spondents were in this category. On whether it is good for an
adult to fondle, caress or kiss a child, 73% of the respondents
were not in favour, however as many as 64 (25%) respondents
were of the view that it is good to be kissed, caressed and fon-
dled by an adult. This may be interpreted as showing affection
by the respondents which, unknown to them, may lead to sex-
ual abuse
When the respondents were asked what they will do if they
are sexually abused, they were quick to respond that they will
inform their parents (77.3%). Interestingly, only five (5) re-
spondents reported that they will inform their teachers (Table
4). However the same respondents have earlier reported that
teachers were their main sources of child sexual abuse informa-
tion. This indicates that though the respondents get information
from the teachers, they feel uncomfortable to tell their teachers
about their sexual abu se e xpe ri en ces .
Their inability to confide in their teacher could be as a result
of fear or that the teachers might be the culprits. Again as many
as 25 respondents said they would not know what to do if they
are sexually abused. This leaves room for concern as such
number may constitute a problem if not adequately empowered
with sexuality knowledge.
General Beliefs about Child Sexual Abuse
As a result of several studies, some general beliefs have been
formed about child sexual abuse. The study asked the respon-
dents to express their opinions about some of these beliefs.
Their responses are summarised in Table 5. The majority of the
respondents (54.3%) were of the view that people who sexually
abuse children are the members of the child’s family. They also
confirmed the belief that children are sexually abused when

S. SIKA-BRIGHT, C. C. P. NNOROM
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Table 4.
Who children will report sexual abuse cases t o .
Frequency Percent
Tell my parents 198 77.3
Tell my friends 28 10.9
Tell my teacher 5 2.0
I don't know 25 9.8
Total 256 100.0
Source: Fieldwork, 2012.
Table 5.
Beliefs about child sexual abuse.
Statement Yes
N(%) No N(%) Total N(%)
People who sexually abuse children are
family me mbers 139(54.3) 117(45.7)256(100)
Children a re abused when they are alone208(81.2) 48(18.8)256(100)
Children are abused at nig ht 215(84) 41(16) 256(100)
Children are abused when the y are
outside their homes 205(80.1) 51(19.9)256(100)
Only girls are sexually abused 81(31.6) 175(68.4)256(100)
Children from reputable homes a re not
sexually abused 53(20.7) 203(79.3)256(100)
Children who are sexually a bused are
taken serious by guardians 87(34) 169(66)256(100)
Source: Fieldwork, 2012.
they are alone (81.2%), are outside their homes (80.1%) and at
night (84%). On the belief that only girls are abused, the major-
ity (68.4%) expressed that not only girls are sexually abused.
Again, the majority (79.3%) did not agree that children from
reputable homes are not sexually abused. Of the 256 respon-
dents, 66% believed that children who are abused are not taken
serious by their parents or guardians. Meanwhile, 34% were of
the view that children who are sexually abused are taken seri-
ously by guardians.
Follow-up question was asked as to why children are not
taken seriously when they are sexually abused. Those in this
category expressed diverse views, notably among was that guar-
dians see children as liars so when such cases are reported they
will not take it serious. This was indicated by a 12 year old girl
of Amamoma, JHS 1 as follows:
I: Why do you believe guardians will not take it serious when
their children are sexually abused?
R: I think they (guardians) see children as liars, as such they
will not believe it (A 12-year-old girl of Amamoma, JHS 1).
This gives an indication that mistrust between guardians and
their wards could affect how child sexual abuse cases are re-
ported. Respondents were asked whether they feel free to dis-
cuss issues about sex with their parents or guardians. The ma-
jority responded that they are not able to discuss sexual issues
with their guardians. When they were asked why, they ex-
pressed several views. Notable among the expressions empha-
sized was the cultural expression of sex as something secret and
not to be discussed. A 14-year-old female JHS 3 pupil indicated
the response of those in this category.
I: Why is it that you don’t feel free to discuss sex with your
parents?
R: My parents told me sex is bad and should only be dis-
cussed in secret, so I can’t talk to my parents about sex (A 14
year old female, JHS 3).
The respondents were asked if they know any child who had
been sexually abused. Almost all the respondents (93%) readily
expressed that they know a child who had been sexually abused.
This reveals that children have their friends as one of the main
reference groups they share their experiences with.
Discussion
The study was conducted to explore the perceptions of chil-
dren as far as child sexual abuse is concerned. Recent literature
suggests that children worldwide are the category of people
who are mostly affected by CSA (Leach et al., 2003; Brown,
2002; UNICEF, 2008). The children who participated in the
study were asked several questions to find out their perceptions
about child sexual abuse. The respondents agreed that they have
heard about child sexual abuse, however, their main sources of
information about child sexual abuse were teachers and parents
and sometimes the media. Teachers and the media in this sense
could be the generalised other of the children interviewed, as
the symbolic interaction theory explains. These generalised
others help in shaping attitudes of children as far as CSA is
concerned.
The respondents expressed that it is not good to allow family
or friends to have sexual intercourse with you or insert objects
into a child’s body. This is in agreement with Galenson and
Rophie (1974), who also reported similar findings in their stud-
ies.
The respondents were quick to admit that when they are
sexually abused, they will tell their parents. This emphasizes
the role of parents in shaping and forming perceptions about
child sexual abuse. In line with the symbolic interactionist per-
spective that informs this study, parents are significant others of
their children, as such children take directions bordering on
appropriate behaviour from them. It was therefore not surpris-
ing when the children reported that their parents will be in-
formed if they are sexually abuse d .
Several studies had proved that family members do abuse
their wards most of the time (Everson & Boat, 1991). The study
supports this statement as majority of the respondents confirm
that family members of children could also sexually assault
children. The respondents also had the perception that children
are abused when they are alone, at night and outside the home
and that not only girls are sexually abused. This give an indica-
tion of the depth of knowledge the respondents have about CSA.
Though studies on CSA posit that girls are normally the victims,
for instance WHO, (2006) puts the ratio at 150 girls: 73 boys
(UNVAC, 2006), boys also suffer from CSA as respondents in
this study indicated.
The respondents were of the view that parents or guardians
are unlikely to trust them should they get abused by any adult.
This finding emphasizes how much importance we place on
children issues culturally. Culturally, adults are at the centre
stage of affairs. Symbolically adults are reference groups and
significant others of children, as such children are expected to
respect and obey them. No wonder the children reported that
their parents and guardians are unlikely to take them serious
because when it comes to sexual accusation involving children

S. SIKA-BRIGHT, C. C. P. NNOROM
Copyright © 2013 SciRe s . 251
and adults, their parents will trust the adults. This again re-
emphasizes why majority of them would agree to watch porno-
graphic films if recommended by an adult.
The children interviewed also reported that they feel insecure
to discuss their sexual issues with their parents. Culturally sex
and all related issues are viewed as sinful so long as it is ex-
pressed by a child. As such sex has remained a secret act for
children since they don’t want their parents and guardians to
label them as bad. This confirms a study by Bammeke and
Nnorom (2008) and also supports the symbolic interactionist
idea of how symbols are created which influences perception
and behaviour. Sex as a symbol is labelled as secret and sinful
when engaged in at certain ages. As such it has influenced how
children perceive sexual issues and consequently influences
how they behave when sexually abused.
The study also found out that the perception children have
about CSA is an act that is not only limited to children from
poor homes but also those from reputable home. This indicates
that child sexual abuse happens to all children, irrespective of
their social background. The respondents again were quick to
admit that they know other children who had been sexually
abused. Sexual abuse among school children has been brought
to the fore by many studies (see Leach et al., 2003; Brown,
2002) and this study contributes its quota to the discourse.
Summary and Conclusion
The study has so far attempted to explore the perception of
children about child sexual abuse. The study found out among
others that children are aware of child sexual abuse, and their
main sources of information about child sexual abuse were their
teachers and parents. They believed that fondling, kissing, in-
sertion of objects into the body, and having sex with an adult
constituted child sexual abuse. Though they held the belief that
watching of pornographic pictures and movies with an adult
was not good, many of the respondents never saw anything
wrong with it. They also were of the view that people who sex-
ually abuse children are mostly family members and friends,
and they carry out this activity mostly at night, when the child
is alone and when the child is outside the home. They believed
that their parents and guardians will not take them serious when
it comes to complaints about child sexual abuse, and they are
unlikely to talk freely with their parents about sex. The study
concludes that though children have fair knowledge about child
sexual abuse, there is still a lot to be done to really expose chil-
dren with what CSA is and what constitutes CSA.
In line with the discussion above, the study therefore rec-
ommends:
 That the Ministry of Education should stress issues of CSA
in the curriculum of basic schools so as to keep children in-
formed appropriately since the study found teachers to be
one of children’s sources of information on CSA.
 That issues about how to redress injustices should be em-
phasized by the Ministry.
 That parents should discuss sexual issues with their children
and also allow them to talk freely about their sexual con-
cerns. This will enable parents and guardians to identify and
prevent any sexual abuse among their children.
 That further studies should be conducted on a large scale to
not only explore children’s perception but also examine
their sexual activities so as to appreciate what children
really think and go through as far as sexual abuse is con-
cerned.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the head teachers and other teachers for
their immense support during the study. Our sincere thanks go
to the pupils of the various schools we visited for the study. We
sincerely thank the staff and research assistants at the Depart-
ment of Soc iol ogy a nd Ant hro polo gy, Un ive rsity of Cape Co ast
for their support.
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