Influences on Under Reporting of Sexual Abuse of Teenagers with Intellectual Disability: Results and Implications of a South African Study

Abstract

This paper reports on part of the findings of a study on care and support for sexually abused teenagers with intellectual disability in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The focus is particularly on influences of under reporting of sexual abuse of teenagers with intellectual disability by carers, teachers and social workers. Data were collected from 32 participants purposefully recruited from two special schools located in a peri-urban South African city setting. These included 18 teachers, 6 caregivers, 2 social workers, 2 psychologists, 3 school nurses and a speech therapist. The data were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed tendencies for under-reporting due to factors such as: (a) teenagers' limited understanding and communication; (b) family's fear of stigma attached to disability; and (c) professionals' lack of expertise.