The Role of Community Involvement in Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse in Tanga City Council, Tanzania.

Kisebengo, Upendo Clement (2025) The Role of Community Involvement in Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse in Tanga City Council, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study examined the role of community involvement in preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) in Tanga City Council, Tanzania. It aimed to explore community participation in CSA prevention, assess the effectiveness of current initiatives, and identify challenges faced by community members. Guided by system theory and pragmatic philosophy, the study employed a descriptive design and a mixed-method approach. Data were collected from 104 respondents using interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires, analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that 45% of respondents were aware of community campaigns, 24% collaborated with law enforcement, and 31% participated in Child Protection Committees. About 62% agreed that community reporting mechanisms were accessible and practical. However, cultural and social norms (40%) and limited resources (25%) were identified as key barriers to effective prevention. Additional challenges included fear of punishment, inadequate training, and weak coordination with law enforcement. The study concludes that community involvement plays a crucial role in preventing child sexual abuse but remains hindered by limited capacity and poor coordination among stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for continuous community empowerment, awareness creation, and collaboration between community members, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The study recommends strengthening community-based programs, increasing government and stakeholder support, and fostering partnerships to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of CSA prevention initiatives in Tanga City. Keywords: Child, Community Involvement, Child Sexual Abuse, Children.

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