Assessing the Impact of Delayed Reporting of Child Sexual Violence Cases at One Stop Center. A Case of Kahama District Council - Tanzania.

Minangi, Deogratias Nyanja (2025) Assessing the Impact of Delayed Reporting of Child Sexual Violence Cases at One Stop Center. A Case of Kahama District Council - Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study titled ―Assessing the Impact of Delayed Reporting of Child Sexual Violence Cases at One Stop Centre: A Case of Kahama District Council, Tanzania‖ aimed to examine children‘s awareness of the effects of delayed reporting, explore parents‘ perceptions of delayed reporting, and identify challenges children face when accessing reporting services at the One Stop Centre. The study adopted a pragmatic philosophy, descriptive design, and mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from 135 respondents using interviews and unstructured questionnaires. Purposive and systematic sampling techniques were applied, and Yamane‘s formula was used to determine the sample size. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, while quotations were used to present qualitative findings. The results revealed that 95% of respondents were aware of the negative consequences of delayed reporting of child sexual violence (CSV). Reported effects included increased health risks (19%), delayed medical treatment (17%), loss of legal evidence (16%), emotional distress (15%), family conflicts (12%), risk of re-victimization (11%), and social stigma (10%). The study also found that parents‘ perceptions play a crucial role in determining timely reporting, influenced by cultural beliefs, fear of societal judgment, mistrust in law enforcement, and level of awareness. The study concludes that improving child protection requires strengthening policies that promote early reporting, enhancing accessibility of One Stop Centres, and ensuring safe spaces for survivors. Increased awareness, supportive community environments, and stronger institutional response systems are essential for effective management and prevention of child sexual violence. Keywords: One-Stop Centre, Child Sexual Violence, Delayed Repor, Child.

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