A content analysis of Botswana media coverage of child sexual abuse. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramabu, Nankie M.
• Is Part Of: Children and youth services review. Volume 117(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Child sexual abuse -- Content -- Analysis -- Media -- Newspapers -- Botswana; Social work with children -- Periodicals; Social work with youth -- Periodicals; Adolescent -- Periodicals; Child Welfare -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Service social aux enfants -- Périodiques; Service social à la jeunesse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-7409

Abstract

Abstract: The media plays a crucial role in informing the general public on issues in general, including Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Most people who reported knowing about child sexual abuse reported having known through media. Therefore, the news media can be a very important platform to help the public, as well as policymakers, understand CSA abuse and how it can be prevented in the future. A content analysis of Botswana media CSA reports was conducted to determine the content reported on, and if they contained messages on CSA prevention. The findings showed that Botswana CSA media reports were centered around criminal justice and where, prevention messages were mentioned, it was at the backdrop of court cases. The findings from this study have implications for further research and child protection practice.