Thesis (M.A. (Maatskaplike Werk)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.A. (Maatskaplike Werk)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.A. (Maatskaplike Werk)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The demand for forensic social work as a specialist field is increasing rapidly, due to the increasing moral decline of the community and consequent higher demands set to generic social workers. Amendments to existing acts as well as the development of new legislation, lead to more opportunity for the prosecution of the perpetrator, and therefore a higher utilization of the forensic social worker. A need was experienced to do research regarding the gaps experienced by social workers or any other workers who are currently executing forensic assessments with the sexually traumatised child. The aim of the investigation was to determine which gaps social workers experience in the field when assessing a child forensically. A recording procedure was used to obtain qualitative as well as quantitative data. A purposive sampling was used were interviews were held with five participants to obtain the data. A selfdeveloped questionnaire was used as measuring instrument. It is clear from the findings that there are definite gaps within the field of forensic social work and the need of further research within the field of forensic social work in South Africa is highlighted. / Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The demand for forensic social work as a specialist field is increasing rapidly, due to the increasing moral decline of the community and consequent higher demands set to generic social workers. Amendments to existing acts as well as the development of new legislation, lead to more opportunity for the prosecution of the perpetrator, and therefore a higher utilization of the forensic social worker. A need was experienced to do research regarding the gaps experienced by social workers or any other workers who are currently executing forensic assessments with the sexually traumatised child. The aim of the investigation was to determine which gaps social workers experience in the field when assessing a child forensically. A recording procedure was used to obtain qualitative as well as quantitative data. A purposive sampling was used were interviews were held with five participants to obtain the data. A selfdeveloped questionnaire was used as measuring instrument. It is clear from the findings that there are definite gaps within the field of forensic social work and the need of further research within the field of forensic social work in South Africa is highlighted. / Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

For years social workers have been involved in the investigation of child abuse cases, which includes the sexual abuse of children. The forensic social worker primarily engages with the investigation of child sexual abuse allegations and their involvement begins when a criminal case of alleged child sexual abuse is registered with the police. The core function of forensic social workers is to objectively assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the judicial system during the investigation of crimes against children, which includes cases of alleged sexual abuse of babies. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the forensic social worker in cases of sexual abuse of babies in the Boland. A qualitative research procedure was followed and data was gathered through in-depth interviews with three state prosecutors working in regional courts in Worcester, Ceres and Paarl. In-depth interviews were also conducted with three SAPS forensic social workers in these areas. The results of the investigation were summarised according to certain themes. The results of the study indicate that the successful prosecution and conviction of offenders of the sexual abuse of babies are limited, because a baby is unable to deliver testimony. The crucial role of the qualified forensic social worker in the investigation of these cases was highlighted in the study. The participants found the thorough investigation of collateral sources and the interpretation of information gathered by forensic social workers of great value. As an expert witness the forensic social worker can therefore play a prominent role in the conviction of offenders of sexual abuse of babies. / Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

For years social workers have been involved in the investigation of child abuse cases, which includes the sexual abuse of children. The forensic social worker primarily engages with the investigation of child sexual abuse allegations and their involvement begins when a criminal case of alleged child sexual abuse is registered with the police. The core function of forensic social workers is to objectively assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the judicial system during the investigation of crimes against children, which includes cases of alleged sexual abuse of babies. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the forensic social worker in cases of sexual abuse of babies in the Boland. A qualitative research procedure was followed and data was gathered through in-depth interviews with three state prosecutors working in regional courts in Worcester, Ceres and Paarl. In-depth interviews were also conducted with three SAPS forensic social workers in these areas. The results of the investigation were summarised according to certain themes. The results of the study indicate that the successful prosecution and conviction of offenders of the sexual abuse of babies are limited, because a baby is unable to deliver testimony. The crucial role of the qualified forensic social worker in the investigation of these cases was highlighted in the study. The participants found the thorough investigation of collateral sources and the interpretation of information gathered by forensic social workers of great value. As an expert witness the forensic social worker can therefore play a prominent role in the conviction of offenders of sexual abuse of babies. / Thesis (MA (SW (Forensic))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The aim of the research was to study the effect of child sexual abuse on the non–accused parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning. To reach this aim, the following objectives were set: * Objective 1: To establish the non–accused's reaction to disclosure of sexual abuse of their child. * Objective 2: To investigate the extent in which the parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning was influenced by the disclosure of the sexual abuse. * Objective 3: To research the influence the disclosure of the sexual abuse had on the relationship between the child involved and the parent/guardian. * Objective 4: To investigate the outcome of the cases following the disclosure of the sexual abuse and to determine whether actions had been taken against the alleged perpetrators and whether they were at all legally prosecuted. The research was primarily based on in–depth interviews with the non–accused parents from the case loads of a welfare organisation in Randfontein. The results of the research were reported on, based on main themes and sub–themes linked to the four objectives. Regarding theme one (1), it was found that the majority of non–accused parents/guardians reacted exceptionally negatively following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced extremely negative emotions. Theme two's (2) information was also obtained through the self–designed questionnaire. The effect of the disclosure on the non–accused parents/guardians' psycho–social functioning was studied. It was found that their psychological, emotional, financial and physical functioning was negatively affected. Theme three's (3) information was also obtained by means of the self–designed questionnaire. The relationship and bond between the child involved and the non–accused parent/guardian was investigated. It was found that the relationships between the children involved and the parents/guardians were negatively affected following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced feelings of rejection, anger, anxiety and depression. Theme four's(4) was also obtained via self–designed questionnaires. The outcome of the disclosure was investigated. It was established that the caring situations of the children involved following the disclosure had not been significantly affected. Furthermore, it was found that the non–accused parents/guardians had not taken sufficient legal steps and that the alleged perpetrators had not been legally prosecuted in all the cases. In summary it can be stated that this research has proven that the child's sexual abuse has a negative effect on the psycho–social functioning on the non–accused parent/guardian's functioning. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of the research was to study the effect of child sexual abuse on the non–accused parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning. To reach this aim, the following objectives were set: * Objective 1: To establish the non–accused's reaction to disclosure of sexual abuse of their child. * Objective 2: To investigate the extent in which the parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning was influenced by the disclosure of the sexual abuse. * Objective 3: To research the influence the disclosure of the sexual abuse had on the relationship between the child involved and the parent/guardian. * Objective 4: To investigate the outcome of the cases following the disclosure of the sexual abuse and to determine whether actions had been taken against the alleged perpetrators and whether they were at all legally prosecuted. The research was primarily based on in–depth interviews with the non–accused parents from the case loads of a welfare organisation in Randfontein. The results of the research were reported on, based on main themes and sub–themes linked to the four objectives. Regarding theme one (1), it was found that the majority of non–accused parents/guardians reacted exceptionally negatively following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced extremely negative emotions. Theme two's (2) information was also obtained through the self–designed questionnaire. The effect of the disclosure on the non–accused parents/guardians' psycho–social functioning was studied. It was found that their psychological, emotional, financial and physical functioning was negatively affected. Theme three's (3) information was also obtained by means of the self–designed questionnaire. The relationship and bond between the child involved and the non–accused parent/guardian was investigated. It was found that the relationships between the children involved and the parents/guardians were negatively affected following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced feelings of rejection, anger, anxiety and depression. Theme four's(4) was also obtained via self–designed questionnaires. The outcome of the disclosure was investigated. It was established that the caring situations of the children involved following the disclosure had not been significantly affected. Furthermore, it was found that the non–accused parents/guardians had not taken sufficient legal steps and that the alleged perpetrators had not been legally prosecuted in all the cases. In summary it can be stated that this research has proven that the child's sexual abuse has a negative effect on the psycho–social functioning on the non–accused parent/guardian's functioning. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

As an employee in the South African Police Service, Family Violence, Child Protection Unit the researcher has noticed that there is an increase in the number of rape incidents in children. This became evident from the intake statistics which indicate that there is an estimate of 15 children per month from the Queenstown district who reported incidents of alleged sexual abuse and/ or rape at the offices of the Family Violence Child Protection Unit during 2009. The number of intakes at the Family Violence, Child Protection Unit increased even more after an awareness campaign on sexual abuse and rape was launched in the Queenstown area. Out of these office statistics it is clear that the phenomenon of child sexual abuse and rape is a very serious problem in Queenstown. Unfortunately no research is available regarding the unique situation of victims in the specific geographical area that contributes to the high incident levels. The aim of the research was to explore the nature of rape incidents involving children in the Queenstown area in order to assist social worker in this area to better understand possible risk factors contributing to child sexual abuse, as well as how to address the phenomenon better by means of effective prevention programmes and forensic social work services. Purposive sampling was conducted among forensic social workers and children from the caseload of the researcher who had been raped in the Queenstown area. This research reveals that children in the Queenstown area do not have adequate knowledge on child sexual abuse and rape. The children in this area are vulnerable because of many circumstances and become, therefore, victims of rape. Looking at the nature of rape incidents in the Queenstown area, there is a definite need for social workers with specialized knowledge, skills and experience regarding forensic social work who can render services to children who were raped. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014