Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Understanding barriers to disclosure and reasons for unreported cases of CSA in South Africa

By Eunice Marais

Introduction

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is often hidden in secrecy, with many victims unable to disclose their experiences due to various psychological and social factors. The grooming process, the need to protect a family member or breadwinner, and direct threats from perpetrators all contribute to delayed or suppressed disclosure. Understanding these barriers is crucial in addressing CSA and supporting survivors.

Factors contributing to non-disclosure of child sexual abuse

  1. Grooming and bribing tactics

    2. One of the most insidious tactics used by perpetrators is grooming, a process in which they manipulate and bribe the child to gain control and ensure their silence. Due to the psychological effects of grooming, a child may internalise the abuse and begin to believe they are at fault. This misplaced guilt creates a significant barrier to disclosure, often resulting in long delays before the child seeks help (Stokes, McCord, & Aydlett, 2013). Further research by Collin-Vézinaa, De La Sablonnière-Griffin, Palmer, and Milne (2015) found that grooming tactics not only manipulate the child but also create an environment where disclosure is inhibited. Perpetrators carefully construct these dynamics to ensure that the child remains silent, prolonging the cycle of abuse.

  2. Family members who are breadwinners

    3. Another significant factor that prevents disclosure is the involvement of a close family member as the perpetrator. When the abuser is a relative, particularly a parent or guardian, the child faces immense difficulty in speaking out (Wallis & Woodworth, 2020). In cases where the perpetrator is the family’s breadwinner, the situation becomes even more complex. Studies by Artz et al. (2016) and Molyneux et al. (2013) highlight that in low-income settings, financial dependency on the abuser often leads to the suppression of CSA reports. Family members who rely on the perpetrator for survival may discourage disclosure, forcing the child to endure the abuse in silence and keeping it a family secret.

  3. Fear and manipulation silencing victims

    4. Fear plays a crucial role in silencing victims, with many perpetrators resorting to direct threats to ensure the child does not disclose the abuse. Research has shown that children often refrain from reporting CSA due to explicit threats against their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Some perpetrators manipulate the child further by making them believe they have committed a crime, using the fear of police involvement as a means of control (Schaeffer, Leventhal, & Asnes, 2011; Taylor & Norma, 2013; Matthews et al., 2016). These threats create an atmosphere of fear and helplessness, making it extremely difficult for the child to seek help.

    The barriers to disclosing CSA are deeply rooted in fear, manipulation, and financial dependence. Grooming tactics make children believe they are complicit in their own abuse, while family dynamics—especially in cases where the perpetrator is a breadwinner—create additional layers of silence. Threats from abusers further solidify this secrecy, leaving victims trapped in a cycle of fear and isolation. Recognising these barriers is essential in developing effective interventions that empower children to come forward and receive the support they need.

  4. Victim blaming

    5. Victim blaming is a pervasive issue that significantly contributes to the non-disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA). Research by Dartnall and Jewkes (2013) indicates that in cases of sexual violence, victims are often held responsible for the abuse. This phenomenon extends to CSA, where children who disclose their abuse may face blame rather than support. Mathews et al. (2016) found that caregivers in their study frequently blamed the child upon disclosure, further discouraging them from speaking out. Cultural beliefs also play a role in victim blaming. Zantsi (2014) found that in certain cultures, children were accused of being seductive, reinforcing the harmful notion that they provoked their own abuse. When a child anticipates blame, the fear of judgment and rejection increases the likelihood of silence.

  5. Shame and stigma

    6. Shame and stigma further reinforce the secrecy surrounding CSA, affecting both the child and their family. Many families perceive CSA as a dishonour and an embarrassment, leading them to suppress disclosure (Dartnall & Jewkes, 2013). Mathews et al. (2016) observed that some caregivers remained silent upon learning of the abuse due to feelings of deep shame and fear of community ridicule. In such cases, children may recognise that disclosing the abuse would bring disgrace to their families, leading them to remain silent to protect their loved ones. The stigma associated with being a victim of CSA also plays a critical role in non-disclosure. Children may fear being labeled or ostracised, leading to heightened feelings of embarrassment and shame that deter them from seeking help (McElvaney, 2020; Taylor & Norma, 2013; Ramphabana et al., 2019; Collin-Vézinaa et al., 2015).

    The relationship between children and their caregivers plays a crucial role in whether they disclose CSA. Children are highly perceptive of adult reactions and may avoid speaking out if they expect a negative response (Reitsema & Grietens, 2016). Fear of punishment is a particularly strong deterrent. Mathews et al. (2016) highlight that in many South African cultures, physical discipline remains a social norm, and nearly half of the children they interviewed expressed fear of their caregivers’ reactions. This fear creates a hostile environment for disclosure, where children feel they are more likely to be punished than protected.

    The experience of CSA is often accompanied by intense emotions of shame, fear, and self-blame, all of which contribute to non-disclosure. Many children are unable to process their abuse or lack the language to express it, while others fear that speaking out will only lead to further harm. Families, too, may feel overwhelmed by the weight of disclosure, fearing community judgment and social ostracisation. These barriers ultimately result in countless cases of CSA going unreported, leaving victims without justice, support, or intervention.

How can we protect our children

Understanding these barriers is crucial in creating safe spaces where children feel supported and empowered to disclose abuse. Addressing cultural sensitivities, reducing victim blaming, and fostering a more protective environment within families and communities are essential steps in ensuring that CSA victims receive the justice and care they deserve.

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