Child sexual abuse of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage children.
Child sexual abuse (CSA) affects children from all backgrounds, but the experiences of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage children are often overlooked or misunderstood in safeguarding conversations.
The 2024 knowledge review, Child Sexual Abuse of African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage Children, authored by Dr. Sukhwant Dhaliwal and commissioned by the CSA Centre and Barnardo’s SEEN, brings vital attention to the specific barriers, risks and missed opportunities in protecting children within these communities.
In this blog, we explore the key findings from the review, consider what they mean for safeguarding practice in schools and organisations, and reflect on how professionals can respond with greater cultural sensitivity, curiosity and care.
These children deserve to be seen, heard and safeguarded with the same vigilance and compassion as any other—and that starts with understanding the context in which abuse may occur, and the reasons it is so often missed.
The 2024 knowledge review titled Child Sexual Abuse of African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage Children, authored by Dr. Sukhwant Dhaliwal and commissioned by the CSA Centre and Barnardo’s SEEN, offers a comprehensive examination of the unique challenges faced by children from these communities concerning child sexual abuse (CSA).
Key Findings
1. Underrepresentation in Research and Services
Despite a surge in CSA research, there remains a significant lack of focus on African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage children. This oversight leads to gaps in understanding their specific vulnerabilities and needs. csacentre.org.uk
2. Cultural and Community Barriers
Children from these communities often face cultural stigmas and pressures that deter them from disclosing abuse. Concerns about family honour, community reputation, and potential ostracization contribute to a "code of silence." learning.nspcc.org.uk
3. Institutional Challenges
Professionals may struggle with cultural sensitivities, leading to hesitancy in addressing CSA cases involving these communities. Fear of being perceived as racist or culturally insensitive can result in inaction or inadequate responses. weareseen.org.uk
4. Racism and Stereotyping
Systemic racism and stereotypes can hinder the identification and support of victims. For instance, Black and Asian boys might be mischaracterized as perpetrators rather than victims, leading to criminalization instead of protection. weareseen.org.uk
Recommendations
Enhanced Cultural Competency: Training for professionals to understand and navigate cultural nuances effectively.
Community Engagement: Collaborating with community leaders to foster environments where victims feel safe to disclose abuse. learning.nspcc.org.uk
Inclusive Research: Encouraging studies that specifically address the experiences of African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage children to inform better practices. csacentre.org.uk
Policy Reforms: Implementing policies that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by these communities in the context of CSA.
This review underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to tackling child sexual abuse. By acknowledging and addressing the specific barriers faced by African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage children, stakeholders can work towards more effective prevention and support mechanisms.
For a detailed exploration, access the full report here: Child Sexual Abuse of African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage Children: A Knowledge Review (PDF).
