Patterns and dynamics of child sexual abuse in Korogwe District, Tanzania

Juma Almasi Mhina; Rebecca Zacharia

doi:10.51867/ajernet.7.3.125

Authors

Juma Almasi Mhina Tengeru Institute of Community Development, Tanzania https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5490-9371
Rebecca Zacharia Korogwe District Council, Tanzania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51867/ajernet.7.3.125

Keywords:

Child Sexual Abuse, Child Protection, Korogwe District, Underreporting, Sexual Exploitation

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a major global human rights concern affecting the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children. Despite growing policy commitments and legal frameworks, CSA continues to persist, particularly in rural communities where poverty, cultural norms, and weak protection systems increase children’s vulnerability. This study examined the patterns and dynamics of child sexual abuse in Korogwe District, Tanzania, with the aim of generating context-specific evidence to support prevention and intervention efforts. The study was guided by Social Disorganization Theory, which provided a useful framework for examining how weaknesses in social organization, community cohesion, informal social control, and socioeconomic conditions may shape the patterns and dynamics of child sexual abuse. It adopted a descriptive research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A sample of 398 respondents was obtained using Yamane’s formula, involving household heads selected through simple random sampling and key informants purposively selected from community leaders, teachers, Ward Executive Officers, and social welfare officers. Data were collected using questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed through descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that rape, sexual threats, sibling-perpetrated abuse, transactional sexual exploitation, and underreporting are common forms of CSA in Korogwe District. Quantitative results showed that 87% of respondents agreed that abuse cases often remain unreported due to fear, shame, and threats, while qualitative findings highlighted the influence of poverty, stigma, and cultural silence in perpetuating abuse. The study concludes that CSA in Korogwe District is a deeply rooted socio-economic and cultural problem requiring urgent intervention. The study recommends strengthening child protection systems, improving reporting mechanisms, enhancing community awareness, and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities that expose children to abuse.

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