Recanting is a recognized phenomenon in child sexual abuse cases, particularly in cases of incest. When children report cases of sexual abuse, it often set motions in their environment to safeguard them from experiencing further abuse. Children may decide to take back their allegations, in most cases leading to recanting. When children recant, it may be a way to attempt to put their world back to the way it was before anyone found out about the abuse. This behaviour is often misunderstood by professionals who may conclude prematurely that the abuse never occurred in the first place. The child may want the abuse to end but never imagined the consequences of the disclosure for them and the family. The aim of this research is to find out the reasons why children recant their disclosures of sexual abuse. The study suggests that there are various reasons why children recant their disclosures of sexual abuse ranging from fear, socio economic reasons, threats and disbelief from their parents or caregivers. It also suggests that there is a need for social workers to be trained on dealing with children who have recanted their disclosures of sexual abuse and to emphasize on getting therapy for the child that has recanted the sexual abuse allegations. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The sexual offences that are committed by adolescents lately are of a great concern, particularly in the Mafikeng area. The record shows that adolescents are arrested daily for committing criminal offences. Despite the measures that are taken by the government in developing the young people to be the generation that would be tomorrow’s future leaders, others turn to not taking the opportunity with both hands but rather engaging in criminal activities. The office record also shows that adolescents’ cases that are assessed by the Probation officers in Mafikeng are mostly of sexual offences. In every assessment the child offender is expected to be accompanied by the parent/s. In most instances the parent/s indicates to be not aware of what influences the child to act against the law by committing a sexual offence. The role of the family is to provide care, support and guidance towards the child. It becomes difficult for the Probation officers to assist the child in such case if the parent/s does not know the causal factor of his/her child’s negative act, since they are seen to be the child’s primary care giver. In South Africa sexual offence is seen to be serious offence before the court of law that falls under schedule 3 offences. The research was conducted among the adolescents who were found to have committed sexual offences in Mafikeng area. The aim of the research was to gain information on factors that contribute to adolescents to commit sexual crimes. The objective for this research was to explore the factors that contribute to adolescents committing a sexual crime and formulate recommendations for social workers and parents/guardians in preventing adolescents from committing sexual crimes in the Mafikeng area. An empirical study was conducted using a qualitative approach. A self-administered schedule was used to evaluate the factors that contribute to adolescents committing sexual crimes by means of interviews with each adolescent who has been found to have committed sexual offences. It is evident from the data collected from the research that the main factors that influence adolescents to commit sexual offences in Mafikeng are substance abuse, failure to attend school and lack of parental supervision. It takes a village to raise a child, from these findings it is clear that an integrated service approach has to be adopted in addressing the challenge, i.e. parents should start to play their role in providing care and support for their children. There has to be good relationships between the community and government departments as well as NGO’s in dealing with moral decay. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Due to the legal obligation to report actual or suspected cases of child sexual abuse and neglect, parents, concerned community members and friends, as well as various professionals like teachers, doctors and psychologists, refer children on a daily basis to social workers in order to initiate an investigation of the allegations. The intake interview is therefore a critical step in the process of child protection and care. In the context of this study, intake interview refers to the initial contact between the social worker and the child in the case of child sexual abuse, where a social worker seeks to establish all objective facts relating to the case so as to make informed decisions and to act accordingly. The Mafikeng Service Point of the Department of Health and Social Development has no standard procedures for social workers in cases of child sexual abuse. It is against this background that a North West based study on the child sexual abuse intake procedures was conducted at Mafikeng Service Point. The study was descriptive and quantitative in nature, with the aim of making a theoretical as well as an empirical study of the intake procedures at the time of the investigation. Data was collected by means of a self–administered questionnaire on the current intake procedures of 30 social workers. Data was triangulated by analysing 15 case files of reported child sexual abuse. It was found that the majority of social workers of the Mafikeng Service Point lack sufficient knowledge and skills regarding interviewing child sexual abuse cases and the legal requirements involved. As a result, they follow diverse and largely inefficient intake interview procedures. The 15 case files that were analysed revealed that social workers do not perform follow–up sessions after the intake and that case files are therefore not officially closed. Recommendations are made to the Mafikeng Service Point with regard to the intake procedures of child sexual abuse cases. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Child sexual abuse is a serious problem that always has been and will be with families and communities. Child sexual abuse occurs within the family, and parents sometimes expect of the child not to tell, or tell the child to deny the abuse. This situation is sometimes exacerbated by the position of the perpetrator within or towards the family. Parents need to be familiarized with the different phases of the process of sexual abuse. Parents are expected to be committed and to provide reliable care and protection for the child. Child sexual abuse is a sensitive issue that harms the inner emotional person of the victim, and affects other family members. The child and the parents need a social worker who has the knowledge and skills to help the family. The family structure, its functioning and the relationships in the family are all important within the context child sexual abuse. The research was conducted among the social workers in Madibeng Municipality. The aim was to explore and describe the role of social workers in motivating parents to disclose the sexual abuse of their child. An empirical study was conducted using a qualitative approach to explore the role of the social worker. A self–administered schedule was used to evaluate the role of the social worker by means of interviews with each social worker. From the data collected during this research it becomes evident that social workers need forensic training so that they could learn the relevant skills and techniques to interview and handle child sexual abuse cases. The knowledge received during training will not only benefit the children, but also the parents. This research found that most social workers employed in both government and non–government organizations in the Madibeng area have not received formal training on how to deal with sexually abused children and their parents, especially with regard to how to motivate parents to disclose the sexual abuse of their child. Guidelines are offered for social workers on how they can motivate parents to disclose the sexual abuse of their children. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Die fokus van hierdie artikel is om hoërskoolleerders in koshuise te bemagtig om seksuele misbruik te kan aanmeld. Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes is gebruik om te bepaal oor watter kennis die leerders beskik rakende die aanmelding van seksuele misbruik. Op grond hiervan word aanbevelings gemaak om dit vir hoërskoolleerders in koshuise moontlik te maak om seksuele misbruik aan te meld. Verskeie vrae is in fokusgroepe bespreek. Die vrae het gehandel oor wat seksuele misbruik is en deur wie en by wie en waar dit aangemeld moet word. Die aanbevelings wat gemaak word, sal genoemde leerders help om seksuelemisbruik–gevalle meermale aan te meld, aangesien hulle volledig ingelig sal wees oor wat seksuele misbruik is en wat dit impliseer. Verder sal hulle ten slotte ook weet wie dit moet aanmeld en by wie en waar. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Due to the legal obligation to report actual or suspected cases of child sexual abuse and neglect, parents, concerned community members and friends, as well as various professionals like teachers, doctors and psychologists, refer children on a daily basis to social workers in order to initiate an investigation of the allegations. The intake interview is therefore a critical step in the process of child protection and care. In the context of this study, intake interview refers to the initial contact between the social worker and the child in the case of child sexual abuse, where a social worker seeks to establish all objective facts relating to the case so as to make informed decisions and to act accordingly. The Mafikeng Service Point of the Department of Health and Social Development has no standard procedures for social workers in cases of child sexual abuse. It is against this background that a North West based study on the child sexual abuse intake procedures was conducted at Mafikeng Service Point. The study was descriptive and quantitative in nature, with the aim of making a theoretical as well as an empirical study of the intake procedures at the time of the investigation. Data was collected by means of a self–administered questionnaire on the current intake procedures of 30 social workers. Data was triangulated by analysing 15 case files of reported child sexual abuse. It was found that the majority of social workers of the Mafikeng Service Point lack sufficient knowledge and skills regarding interviewing child sexual abuse cases and the legal requirements involved. As a result, they follow diverse and largely inefficient intake interview procedures. The 15 case files that were analysed revealed that social workers do not perform follow–up sessions after the intake and that case files are therefore not officially closed. Recommendations are made to the Mafikeng Service Point with regard to the intake procedures of child sexual abuse cases. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Child sexual abuse is a serious problem that always has been and will be with families and communities. Child sexual abuse occurs within the family, and parents sometimes expect of the child not to tell, or tell the child to deny the abuse. This situation is sometimes exacerbated by the position of the perpetrator within or towards the family. Parents need to be familiarized with the different phases of the process of sexual abuse. Parents are expected to be committed and to provide reliable care and protection for the child. Child sexual abuse is a sensitive issue that harms the inner emotional person of the victim, and affects other family members. The child and the parents need a social worker who has the knowledge and skills to help the family. The family structure, its functioning and the relationships in the family are all important within the context child sexual abuse. The research was conducted among the social workers in Madibeng Municipality. The aim was to explore and describe the role of social workers in motivating parents to disclose the sexual abuse of their child. An empirical study was conducted using a qualitative approach to explore the role of the social worker. A self–administered schedule was used to evaluate the role of the social worker by means of interviews with each social worker. From the data collected during this research it becomes evident that social workers need forensic training so that they could learn the relevant skills and techniques to interview and handle child sexual abuse cases. The knowledge received during training will not only benefit the children, but also the parents. This research found that most social workers employed in both government and non–government organizations in the Madibeng area have not received formal training on how to deal with sexually abused children and their parents, especially with regard to how to motivate parents to disclose the sexual abuse of their child. Guidelines are offered for social workers on how they can motivate parents to disclose the sexual abuse of their children. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Die fokus van hierdie artikel is om hoërskoolleerders in koshuise te bemagtig om seksuele misbruik te kan aanmeld. Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes is gebruik om te bepaal oor watter kennis die leerders beskik rakende die aanmelding van seksuele misbruik. Op grond hiervan word aanbevelings gemaak om dit vir hoërskoolleerders in koshuise moontlik te maak om seksuele misbruik aan te meld. Verskeie vrae is in fokusgroepe bespreek. Die vrae het gehandel oor wat seksuele misbruik is en deur wie en by wie en waar dit aangemeld moet word. Die aanbevelings wat gemaak word, sal genoemde leerders help om seksuelemisbruik–gevalle meermale aan te meld, aangesien hulle volledig ingelig sal wees oor wat seksuele misbruik is en wat dit impliseer. Verder sal hulle ten slotte ook weet wie dit moet aanmeld en by wie en waar. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The sexual abuse of children presents as an ever-increasing social concern in South-Africa and the rest of the world. A daily newspaper reports that 104 913 serious crimes against children were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 2010. Another 49 550 serious crimes against children were reported during 2012/2013 at the SAPS (Meiring, 2013:7). The concept of child sexual abuse only became publically known in the seventies. Since then intense research has been done in an effort to gain a better understanding regarding the concept, causes and effects of child sexual abuse (Herbert, 2000:16). However, not only was knowledge gained regarding the extent of child sexual abuse, but there has also been an increase of knowledge involving the theoretical base of the methods of investigation with regard to child sexual abuse. Through this specific research project the researcher will endeavor to contribute to the existing theoretical knowledge base by researching and describing the benefits of implementing pre-forensic evaluation when investigating the presumed sexual abuse of a child. A summary of The Criminal Law (Sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007’s (South-Africa 2007:25-27) definition of child sexual abuse is as follow: “A sexual offence occurs when any person engages a child (a person under the age of 18) with or without the consent of the child, in a sexual act. Sexual act is defined as an act of sexual penetration or an act of sexual violation. Sexual penetration can be seen as any sexual form of penetration to any extent whatsoever by die genital organ, any body part and/or object by one person into, or beyond, the genital organs, anus or mouth of another person”. In order to combat the incidence and increase of child sexual abuse it is imperative that every accusation regarding the possibility of such abuse should be investigated thoroughly. Due to the fact that some children will only disclose sexual abuse when the are in a safe environment, the whole process could be delayed if the child does not feel safe. Johnson (2004:465) postulates that this delay could jeopardize the whole process because when physical healing had occurred the physical evidence could be destroyed. The absence of physical evidence stresses the importance of the implementation of the forensic investigation process. Social workers are regularly required to evaluate children when sexual abuse is suspected. This process often starts with a pre-forensic evaluation in order to ascertain the probability of sexual abuse. If the pre-forensic investigation confirms the possibility of such abuse, the next step is to conduct a formal forensic investigation. Clark (2007:70) explains that this investigation is used to gather relevant factual information required for police investigation and for use in a court of law. Due to the seriousness and sensitivity regarding allegations of child sexual abuse, it is imperative that the social worker should remain neutral and objective at all times. When investigating such allegations Aucamp (2012a:2) advocate three approaches. These approaches are: A blind, history-free, uninformed approach; An informed approach or an allegation-blind approach. It is generally accepted that through the use of the uninformed approach the objectivity of the social worker is enhanced. This is due to the fact that in this approach restricted information is passed on to the social worker, i.e. she has no prior knowledge regarding the perpetrator or the allegations, but only knows the name, gender and age of the specific child (Aucamp, 2012a:5). Faller (2007:41-43) declares that in order to ensure objectivity the postulation of alternative hypotheses form part and parcel of the task of the social worker. The social worker is enabled to formulate these varied hypotheses when as much information as possible relevant to the specific situation is collected. The collection of this data ensures that important information does not get lost and that no alternative explanation can be given for the allegations. Hewitt (1999:214) points out that many factors can add to the child’s inability to cooperate during a formal forensic investigation. Du Plessis (2012:1) therefore recommends a socioemotional evaluation which will enable the investigator to understand the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, speech and language development as well as the scope of his attention span and level of cooperation. The gathering of all this information is made possible because of the structured nature of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Within the scope of the forensic field the term and concept ‘pre-forensic evaluation’ is relatively new. This process is regarded as a mechanism to sift through data in order to evaluate the child’s level of development as well as the social and behavior issues within the focus of the extended forensic investigation process (Carnes, Nelson-Gardell, Wilson & Orgasa, 2001:238). The objective of this research project was to establish the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as the starting point for investigating child sexual abuse in order to make recommendations. In this research the researcher used a qualitative approach which implies a broad approach to the study of social phenomena by implementing a variety of research methods. As this field of forensics is relatively new in South- Africa, the researcher is of the opinion that this research will add to the theoretical and empirical base of knowledge regarding the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as part of the extended forensic investigation process. The following participants were involved and methods utilized to reach the objective of this explorative study: • 8 registered social workers , resident in Gauteng; • 10 client files projecting the use of the pre-forensic investigation process in the lives of children between ages 3 and 6 and where possible sexual abuse was suspected. The methods of data collection involved semi-structured interviews as well as document analysis. Data was processed by means of transcriptions, which elicited various themes and sub-themes which in turn led the researcher to come to specific conclusions in order to make certain recommendations. • All 8 participating registered social workers have applied the pre-forensic evaluation as starting point of the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse; • All 8 participating registered social workers preferred to follow the uninformed approach and agreed on the benefits of this process; All respondents agreed on the following benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation process: • It provides a holistic view on the child’s socio-emotional functioning; • It improves and enhances objectivity and neutrality on the part of the investigator and the investigation; • It enables the researcher to complete a competency evaluation of the child within a non-threatening environment; • It provides ample opportunity for the social worker to build rapport with the child; • It provides guidelines to be followed during the formal forensic investigation process. The researcher also found that none of the participants relayed specific disadvantages regarding the use of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Another theme which crystallized when data was analyzed was that the pre-forensic evaluation structure is sufficient to serve as a screening instrument. The following practical recommendations came to the fore in the process of data analysis: • To divide the pre-forensic evaluation process into two or more sessions; • To allow only trained professional workers to implement the pre-forensic evaluation process; • To standardize the pre-forensic evaluation process for investigating presumed sexual offences; • That pre-forensic evaluation be utilized in the case of all children in need of care and not only when sexual abuse is suspected; In conclusion, with regard to future research themes the researcher would like to propose the following: • The evaluation of valid evaluation techniques which could be included in the preforensic evaluation structure; • The evaluators’ experience and perception regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure; • The effectiveness of using the pre-forensic evaluation structure as a screening instrument; • The reactions and perceptions shown by members of the SAPS and Social Welfare Services with regard to using information that was gathered and passed on to them by means of pre-forensic reports. The researcher believes that this research successfully showed the benefits of the preforensic evaluation process when investigating suspected cases of child sexual abuse. She also believes that if the recommendations of this study would be followed, the whole processed could be streamlined and if the suggested themes were explored, the base of knowledge regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure would be broadened to benefit all parties involved in this process. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The sexual abuse of children presents as an ever-increasing social concern in South-Africa and the rest of the world. A daily newspaper reports that 104 913 serious crimes against children were reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) since 2010. Another 49 550 serious crimes against children were reported during 2012/2013 at the SAPS (Meiring, 2013:7). The concept of child sexual abuse only became publically known in the seventies. Since then intense research has been done in an effort to gain a better understanding regarding the concept, causes and effects of child sexual abuse (Herbert, 2000:16). However, not only was knowledge gained regarding the extent of child sexual abuse, but there has also been an increase of knowledge involving the theoretical base of the methods of investigation with regard to child sexual abuse. Through this specific research project the researcher will endeavor to contribute to the existing theoretical knowledge base by researching and describing the benefits of implementing pre-forensic evaluation when investigating the presumed sexual abuse of a child. A summary of The Criminal Law (Sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007’s (South-Africa 2007:25-27) definition of child sexual abuse is as follow: “A sexual offence occurs when any person engages a child (a person under the age of 18) with or without the consent of the child, in a sexual act. Sexual act is defined as an act of sexual penetration or an act of sexual violation. Sexual penetration can be seen as any sexual form of penetration to any extent whatsoever by die genital organ, any body part and/or object by one person into, or beyond, the genital organs, anus or mouth of another person”. In order to combat the incidence and increase of child sexual abuse it is imperative that every accusation regarding the possibility of such abuse should be investigated thoroughly. Due to the fact that some children will only disclose sexual abuse when the are in a safe environment, the whole process could be delayed if the child does not feel safe. Johnson (2004:465) postulates that this delay could jeopardize the whole process because when physical healing had occurred the physical evidence could be destroyed. The absence of physical evidence stresses the importance of the implementation of the forensic investigation process. Social workers are regularly required to evaluate children when sexual abuse is suspected. This process often starts with a pre-forensic evaluation in order to ascertain the probability of sexual abuse. If the pre-forensic investigation confirms the possibility of such abuse, the next step is to conduct a formal forensic investigation. Clark (2007:70) explains that this investigation is used to gather relevant factual information required for police investigation and for use in a court of law. Due to the seriousness and sensitivity regarding allegations of child sexual abuse, it is imperative that the social worker should remain neutral and objective at all times. When investigating such allegations Aucamp (2012a:2) advocate three approaches. These approaches are: A blind, history-free, uninformed approach; An informed approach or an allegation-blind approach. It is generally accepted that through the use of the uninformed approach the objectivity of the social worker is enhanced. This is due to the fact that in this approach restricted information is passed on to the social worker, i.e. she has no prior knowledge regarding the perpetrator or the allegations, but only knows the name, gender and age of the specific child (Aucamp, 2012a:5). Faller (2007:41-43) declares that in order to ensure objectivity the postulation of alternative hypotheses form part and parcel of the task of the social worker. The social worker is enabled to formulate these varied hypotheses when as much information as possible relevant to the specific situation is collected. The collection of this data ensures that important information does not get lost and that no alternative explanation can be given for the allegations. Hewitt (1999:214) points out that many factors can add to the child’s inability to cooperate during a formal forensic investigation. Du Plessis (2012:1) therefore recommends a socioemotional evaluation which will enable the investigator to understand the child’s cognitive, social, emotional, speech and language development as well as the scope of his attention span and level of cooperation. The gathering of all this information is made possible because of the structured nature of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Within the scope of the forensic field the term and concept ‘pre-forensic evaluation’ is relatively new. This process is regarded as a mechanism to sift through data in order to evaluate the child’s level of development as well as the social and behavior issues within the focus of the extended forensic investigation process (Carnes, Nelson-Gardell, Wilson & Orgasa, 2001:238). The objective of this research project was to establish the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as the starting point for investigating child sexual abuse in order to make recommendations. In this research the researcher used a qualitative approach which implies a broad approach to the study of social phenomena by implementing a variety of research methods. As this field of forensics is relatively new in South- Africa, the researcher is of the opinion that this research will add to the theoretical and empirical base of knowledge regarding the benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation as part of the extended forensic investigation process. The following participants were involved and methods utilized to reach the objective of this explorative study: • 8 registered social workers , resident in Gauteng; • 10 client files projecting the use of the pre-forensic investigation process in the lives of children between ages 3 and 6 and where possible sexual abuse was suspected. The methods of data collection involved semi-structured interviews as well as document analysis. Data was processed by means of transcriptions, which elicited various themes and sub-themes which in turn led the researcher to come to specific conclusions in order to make certain recommendations. • All 8 participating registered social workers have applied the pre-forensic evaluation as starting point of the investigation into allegations of sexual abuse; • All 8 participating registered social workers preferred to follow the uninformed approach and agreed on the benefits of this process; All respondents agreed on the following benefits of the pre-forensic evaluation process: • It provides a holistic view on the child’s socio-emotional functioning; • It improves and enhances objectivity and neutrality on the part of the investigator and the investigation; • It enables the researcher to complete a competency evaluation of the child within a non-threatening environment; • It provides ample opportunity for the social worker to build rapport with the child; • It provides guidelines to be followed during the formal forensic investigation process. The researcher also found that none of the participants relayed specific disadvantages regarding the use of the pre-forensic evaluation process. Another theme which crystallized when data was analyzed was that the pre-forensic evaluation structure is sufficient to serve as a screening instrument. The following practical recommendations came to the fore in the process of data analysis: • To divide the pre-forensic evaluation process into two or more sessions; • To allow only trained professional workers to implement the pre-forensic evaluation process; • To standardize the pre-forensic evaluation process for investigating presumed sexual offences; • That pre-forensic evaluation be utilized in the case of all children in need of care and not only when sexual abuse is suspected; In conclusion, with regard to future research themes the researcher would like to propose the following: • The evaluation of valid evaluation techniques which could be included in the preforensic evaluation structure; • The evaluators’ experience and perception regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure; • The effectiveness of using the pre-forensic evaluation structure as a screening instrument; • The reactions and perceptions shown by members of the SAPS and Social Welfare Services with regard to using information that was gathered and passed on to them by means of pre-forensic reports. The researcher believes that this research successfully showed the benefits of the preforensic evaluation process when investigating suspected cases of child sexual abuse. She also believes that if the recommendations of this study would be followed, the whole processed could be streamlined and if the suggested themes were explored, the base of knowledge regarding the pre-forensic evaluation structure would be broadened to benefit all parties involved in this process. / MSW (Forensic Practice), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014