Plan Ghana calls for action on child sexual abuse in schools

Sexual abuse of children is a human rights violation affecting most children globally. The effects of this abuse are devastating with short or long term consequences.

The prevalence rate of sexual abuse has been difficult to determine. Recent findings by the UN suggest that sexual abuse in schools is widespread but highly unrecognised. In Ghana, there is a recognised child sexual abuse problem in schools but there is limited information and documentation of the extent of the phenomenon.

To determine the extent of the problem, Plan Ghana, following Plan International's global campaign initiative dubbed, “Learn without Fear” decided to employ an independent consultant to undertake a study on sexual abuse in and around schools.

A total of 304 children in the primary, junior high and senior high schools in three districts i.e. in Plan operational areas namely: Awutu-Senya, Efutu and Upper Manya Krobo districts were interviewed. In addition, qualitative information was collected from 30 teachers, 21 parents including few key informants from the districts concerned. Focus group discussions with 47 senior high school students were also conducted to enhance the quantitative data.

The study reveals that both contact and non contact forms of child sexual abuse was prevalent in the areas where the study was conducted. ''About 14% of school children, mostly 15 and 14 year olds had been sexually abused.'' The main perpetrators of child sexual abuse included: classmates (89%), teachers (21%) and relatives (13%). Majority (41%) of the victims of sexual abuse were living with both parents. Girls were found to be more vulnerable to child sexual abuse in a ratio of 11:9.

The study also indicated that only 30% of the victims told someone about the abuse. The response, in most cases is either nothing is done to the perpetrators or they are warned not to do that again.

Child sexual abuse in schools is wrong. Regardless of whom the perpetrator is. There is no moral justification for children to be violated in or around the school environment. Education is a component of a nation's economic fortitude. By damaging children's education, sexual abuse in schools weakens national economies. Sexual abuse causes children to drop-out of school. Physical and mental injuries resulting from sexual abuse stay with children for the rest of their lives. Sexual abuse robs children of the education vital for a successful future.

Plan has already put in place various interventions to help address the problem of child sexual abuse: This includes:

Training staff and stakeholders on child protection issues-including sexual abuse
Creating awareness on the rights of the child through established children's clubs in Plan's program areas
Supporting and facilitating child panels to strengthen child friendly reporting structures in the various districts
Supporting outreach programs with Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit on child protection issues
Investing in infrastructure that will make the school environment safe and enjoyable for school children
Motivating teachers and children alike by supporting regular performance test where excellence is rewarded
insisting that all partners sign a child protection policy before any contracts are entered into
The introduction of drama and girls' soccer clubs in Plan's program areas to create awareness and also to build confidence.

It is everyone's responsibility to stop child sexual abuse in and around schools. There must be a concerted effort by all stakeholders to help make the environment in and around schools safer for children to learn.