The Impact of case management system on children exposed to sexual abuse: a phenomenological study · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Verenga, Siphathisiwe C.

Title

The Impact of case management system on children exposed to sexual abuse: a phenomenological study

Abstract

This paper examines the critical role of case management systems in safeguarding children exposed to sexual abuse. Childhood sexual abuse is a pervasive and deeply traumatizing issue with profound and lasting negative impacts on victims' physical, psychological, and social well-being. Effective intervention is paramount to mitigate these harms and promote healing. While various components of child protection exist, there remains a significant research gap in comprehensively understanding the integrated effectiveness and specific challenges of holistic case management systems in supporting these vulnerable children within the Zimbabwean context. This study aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the types of case management components crucial for children exposed to sexual abuse, including the child protection system, therapeutic support system, multidisciplinary teams, and family support systems. Furthermore, it seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these combined approaches and identify the key challenges encountered in their implementation. This research will employ a qualitative methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews with social workers, child protection officers, therapists, and legal professionals directly involved in child sexual abuse cases, complemented by a review of relevant policy documents and case records (with appropriate ethical considerations for confidentiality). Preliminary findings suggest that while individual components offer valuable support, a lack of seamless coordination, resource constraints, and societal stigma significantly impede the overall effectiveness of the current case management framework. Key challenges include lack of funding, inadequate training for staff, communication barriers, insufficient resources and bureaucratic delays. The implications of this research highlight the urgent need for a more integrated, child-centric, and well-resourced case management system. Recommendations include increase funding, increasing investment in specialized trauma-informed therapeutic services, enhance communication system, reduce bureaucratic delays, strengthening community-based support networks, and implementing continuous professional development for all stakeholders involved in child protection. These measures are crucial for ensuring that children exposed to sexual abuse receive the comprehensive and sustained support necessary for their recovery and well-being.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Case management systems

Childhood sexual abuse

Supervisor

Dr Bowora