Community Knowledge and Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse in Arusha District, Tanzania: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive global issue with profound impacts on children's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Despite international legal frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, underreporting persists due to socio-cultural norms, systemic failures, and limited awareness. This study examines community knowledge and perceptions of CSA in Arusha District, Tanzania, where high prevalence rates coexist with weak enforcement of protective laws like the Sexual Offenses Special Provisions Act (1998) and the Law of the Child Act (2009). Using a mixed-methods approach, the research surveyed 100 respondents (51% male, 49% female; 53% aged 10–14) while 99% of respondents recognized CSA's consequences (e.g., pregnancy, disease), qualitative data showed low awareness of reporting mechanisms, with cases often concealed due to stigma or corruption. For instance, 40% of respondents believed families discourage reporting, and key informants described bribes as obstructing justice. Despite policy efforts, implementation gaps—especially in rural areas—allow abuse to thrive, perpetuated by patriarchal norms and institutional inefficiencies. The study underscores the urgent need for grassroots awareness campaigns, stronger accountability mechanisms, and community engagement to align legal frameworks with local realities. Recommendations include enhancing school-based education, strengthening social welfare services, and combating corruption to ensure justice for survivors and the prevention of future abuse.