Abstract
Sexual abuse is an increasing problem in Malawi amongst female students, and is associated with physical and mental health problems. This study aimed to determine existing knowledge of sexual abuse amongst female students in tertiary education institutions in Malawi. A descriptive, comparative, quantitative and contextual research design was used. Participants (n=219) were selected through systematic random sampling from a population of female students aged 18 to 21, at fifteen (n= 15) tertiary education institutions in Malawi. Sexually abusive behaviours demonstrated by a lover and friend were interpreted as not being abusive. There were no significant differences in knowledge of sexual abuse between the abused and non-abused respondent groups (p > 0.05). The overall prevalence rate of sexual abuse was 41%. Common forms of sexual abuse experienced were touching of breasts (54.4%) and attempted sexual intercourse (47.8%). Completed sexual intercourse was experienced by 18.9% of the respondents. The majority reported that they were sexually abused by men (98.9%). Twenty one percent experienced more than one sexually abusive incident and some respondents were abused by friends (30%). The abusers mostly used physical threats. Only 55.6% reported their sexual victimisation to others. Female students aged 18 to 21 in tertiary education institutions in Malawi had some knowledge of sexual abuse, but there were deficits in the interpretation of sexually abusive behaviours. The majority of abusers were male adolescents and young adults. Respondents should know what the Malawi law stipulates and what can be done to control and prevent sexual abuse. The information obtained from the study was used to develop guidelines for sexual abuse prevention programmes.
Highlights
Introduction and background informationSexual abuse is a form o f violence, which has mostly affected females (Chen, Tyler, Whitbech & Hoyt, 2004:2; Keeton, 2004:313) from all age groups and across cultures
Prevalence, forms and frequency of sexual abuse The results reveal that sexual abuse begun as early as 4 to 8 years, while 42.2% (n = 38) indicated they were sexually abused between the ages o f 14 and 21
The findings indicate that most respondents were aged 20 to 21 years in the first year o f study at tertiary education institutions in Malawi
Summary
Introduction and background informationSexual abuse is a form o f violence, which has mostly affected females (Chen, Tyler, Whitbech & Hoyt, 2004:2; Keeton, 2004:313) from all age groups and across cultures. Sexual abuse experiences are associated with adverse psychological and physical consequences. Such consequences include public health, clinical care and human rights issues. According to Monteleone and Brodeur (1998:22) acts of sexual contact include, fondling o f genitals, oral- genital sex, penetration with a finger or object, sexual intercourse and sodomy. Other acts such as the touching of breasts or buttocks are not regularly mentioned in literature, but they are sexually abusive acts. Non-contact involves exhibition of sexual organs by the abuser or exposing of genitals to the abuser, watching the abuser masturbate, looking at pornographic material, being filmed for pornographic use and sexual harassment (Dzimadzi, 2002:18)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
