Factors influencing school counsellors' decision to report cases of child sexual abuse

2001 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 65-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette Goldman ◽  
Usha Padayachi
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Moral Obligation ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Factors Influencing

This study examines factors which influence school counsellors' decision to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse. Using a state-wide sample of 122 school counsellors, consisting of 52 males and 70 females, in Queensland, Australia, results show there was a tendency for school counsellors to under-report their suspicions of child sexual abuse. The factors which influenced school counsellors to report cases of sexual abuse were fear that the child was at risk for further abuse, and an ethical/moral obligation to report.

Factors influencing school counsellors' decision not to report child sexual abuse

2002 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette D G Goldman ◽  
Usha K Padayachi
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Sexually Abused ◽  
Popular Belief ◽  
Abused Children ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The Family ◽  
Sexually Abused Children

Using a state-wide sample of 122 school counsellors (52 males and 70 females) in Queensland, Australia, factors which influenced their decision not to report child sexual abuse were examined. These factors were a lack of evidence; lack of confidence in the authorities to accurately evaluate or protect sexually abused children; adverse effects on the family's social standing in the community; potential to break up the family; and the fear of breaking counsellor-client confidentiality. Further, school counsellors were not likely to report all cases of child sexual abuse when they suspected it, thus confirming the popular belief that child sexual abuse is under-reported by them.

School counsellors' knowledge of the nature of child sexual abuse and proceedures and laws

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette D. G. Goldman ◽  
Usha K. Padayachi
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
State Department ◽  
The State ◽  
Department Of Education ◽  
General Knowledge ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Formal Procedure ◽  
The Law ◽  
State Department Of Education

All school counsellors employed by the State Department of Education in Queensland, Australia, were sent a questionnaire asking about their understanding of child sexual abuse, and their familiarity with procedures and current laws. Results from the 122 respondents (52 males and 70 females), show that they have diverse knowledge of child sexual abuse. There was uncertainty among them as to whether their school had a formal procedure for reporting cases. Most school counsellors have a general knowledge of the laws in Queensland on reporting suspected cases of abuse, but only a minority of them know what the laws require them to do. When asked to describe the laws in Queensland, counsellors who indicated they knew about the law, then described four differing laws. In terms of knowledge of child sexual abuse, females made more accurate statements about sexual abuse than males. Training does contribute to improving counsellors' knowledge of child sexual abuse.

School Counsellors’ Attitudes and Beliefs about Child Sexual Abuse

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliette D. G. Goldman ◽  
Usha K. Padayachi
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
School Counsellors

Child sexual abuse

1991 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 3-16
Author(s):  
Mardie Whitla
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
School Psychologist ◽  
School Counsellors

Sexual abuse of children is not an uncommon crime. It has received widespread media coverage over the last four years, resulting in a heightened public awareness of the problem. Yet to many, the sexual abuse of children remains a taboo subject. Guidance officers, school counsellors and teachers play particularly important roles as part of a community's response to child sexual abuse. In this paper, some of the literature regarding difficulties in defining child sexual abuse and the subsequent problems in assessing the prevalence and extent of child sexual abuse is examined. Additional problems involved in the recognition and reporting of child sexual abuse are discussed and the reasons why many professionals are reluctant to report suspected cases to statutory authorities are explored. The school psychologist plays a key role in intervention, and some of the options available are proposed. Finally, the importance of appropriate training for the psychologist is highlighted.

Males at Risk: The Other Side of Child Sexual Abuse.

1990 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 872
Author(s):  
Joseph Harry ◽  
Frank Bolton ◽  
Larry A. Morris ◽  
Ann MacEachron
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
The Other
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