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.

From earliest times, child protection has formed an important part of the social worker's responsibilities. When child protection is referred to, statutory intervention, with the accompanying supportive or therapeutic intervention, is often necessary. In cases of sexual abuse of children, the nature of the service rendered is complex, requiring a wide range of inputs. Forensic social work is a fairly new specialist field in terms of service provision in social work in South Africa. The forensic social worker is primarily involved in investigating reports of alleged sexual abuse and must draw up a court report and, as an expert, give evidence in court. The forensic social worker is not involved with the child at therapeutic level. Social workers involved with generic child and family care can be involved in both the statutory and the therapeutic interventions, but are not always sure when a child should be referred for forensic assessment. This may lead to role confusion and conflict. This study attempts to establish a guideline for social workers in the offices of the Christian Council Social Services in the Highveld Synod, in order to facilitate referral for forensic assessment and to eliminate the role confusion and conflict mentioned above. The guidelines have been drawn up on the basis of information gathered from the relevant literature and from focus group conversations with social workers and individual interviews with social workers specialising in forensic social work. Although the guidelines have been developed specifically for the above–mentioned organisation, social workers in other child and family care organisations could also derive benefit from them. / 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

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