The proximity of sexual violence to schools: evidence from a township in South Africa

Abstract

Schools are unique places that greatly influence the daily lives of learners. Examining any factors that may be contributing to school absenteeism and dropout rates is vital as gaining an education is central to reducing the poverty gap as well as lowering income inequality, particularly in less developed contexts. This study examines the proximity of sexual violence to both primary and secondary/intermediate schools in the impoverished township of Khayelitsha in South Africa. The locations of schools in 2005 (n = 55) and sexual crime data from 2006 to 2015 (n = 1518) were analyzed to determine the median number of crimes within a set of buffer distances around school perimeters. A point process model (homogeneous multi-K function) examined spatial clustering. Results indicate that sexual violence clusters around both types of schools in Khayelitsha. We discuss possible reasons for the findings and potential implications for future research and practice.