Perception of Child Sexual Abuse in Ghana

This is an exploratory study that sought to investigate the perceptions of people towards child sexual abuse in Ghana. It uncovers how cultural factors influence the conceptualization of child sexual abuse and how this influence children in concealing their experiences. Although some studies have been conducted on child sexual abuse in Ghana, yet its socio ? cultural context is not well understood. It is against this background that, this study becomes relevant in filling such missing gap in literature. The study therefore unearthed the socio ? cultural factors that define the phenomenon in the Ghanaian setting. Qualitative research methods were used to collect data from 25 sexually abused children via in ? depth interviews in selected communities in Ghana. Data was collected across three selected towns in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana which were Teshie, La and James Town. Respondents were seen as active participants whose insights and feeling were essential in the discussion process. Thematic Analysis was used to organize the data into appropriate themes. The findings showed that children were blamed for their sexual abuse and perpetrators are not sanctioned. This is relevant as it would aid in cultural appropriate interventions in curbing the phenomenon of child sexual abuse in Ghana.