The Lived Experiences of Social Workers Handling Child Sexual Abuse Cases

Abstract

This study was undertaken to explore and examine the lived experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases. Despite the many existing research studies in relation to social workers handling child abuse cases, the researcher could not find any research study that specifically describes the experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases. This led to the aim of this study which is to examine and understand the lived experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases. The phenomenological approach of qualitative research was used in this study to allow the participants to express their views and experiences in their own understanding and feelings and interview questionnaire was the primary instrument for data collection. Social Constructivist Theory and Role Theory were used to describe the lived experiences of social workers handling child sexual abuse cases in this study. The findings revealed that child sexual abuse is one of the frightening forms of child maltreatment that has long-term effects which leaves deepest scars on the victims through different sexual acts of violence. The result of the study showed that social workers were one of the helping professionals that ensured the safety and protection of the child after the rescue from child sexual abuse incident. Part of the social worker’s responsibilities was to provide interventions appropriate to the needs of the child victim. The study also showed that alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse can be anyone; they can be strangers or people the child knows and trust. The study also revealed that although social workers were trained professionals, they still experienced difficulties in handling child sexual abuses cases in terms of safety issues, struggles, and critical situations. Social workers were prone to experience difficulties in performing their responsibilities in handling child sexual abuse cases. The findings of this study led to a better support system for social workers and awareness programs for the intervention and prevention of child sexual abuse in all child welfare settings. Lastly, support programs for social workers were crafted based on the findings of the study.