Experiences of adolescent girls who have been sexually abused that influence help-seeking behaviour

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators in help-seeking of adolescent girls following a sexual abuse incident in South Africa. The rationale for this research is illustrated through the review of current literature on the topic of help-seeking and the impact of any delays in the help-seeking journey. The review demonstrated a gap in the literature regarding this topic, with literature particularly lacking for this adolescent age group in the South African context.

Addressing the issue in the delay of meaningful, swift actions in help-seeking was the primary objective of this research. The aim of the research was to explore the actions and reactions of the girls directly after their sexual abuse incident, with the intention of finding commonalities which would form the barriers and/or facilitators to help-seeking. The intention behind the research was to change, prevent or minimize the barriers identified in order to prevent future survivors of sexual abuse from experiencing a similar traumatic ordeal in regards to help-seeking.

Six adolescent girls from the Teddy Bear Clinic were interviewed with the use of semi-structured interviews. The recruitment of the girls was largely dependent on the assistance of the social workers at the Teddy Bear Clinic. The social workers identified the research participants based on a selection criterion provided to them.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used as the method for an in-depth, individualised analysis of the data, where four superordinate themes were created: “having to go alone”, “realisation hits home”, “considering the best option” and “joining forces”. Within each superordinate theme there are subthemes which support the need and complexities in working with this specific group of vulnerable girls. The analysis established the challenges faced by the girls in their help-seeking journey, namely: they felt helpless, were being threatened or faced the fear of further danger. Especially when they had no knowledge as to where to go get help and did not have a positive relationship with someone they trusted that could help them look for supportive services. This delayed disclosure could have increased their psychological damage if they eventually disclosed and were faced with an uncoordinated support system that did not refer them to appropriate services for support.

The analysis demonstrated the facilitators to help-seeking, namely: that they had a positive relationship with someone they could trust. It had to be a person who understood them and who would notice emotional reactions and changes in their behaviour. They expected that the person would help and not judge them if they listened to that “gut feeling” to disclose earlier rather than later. It would help the girls if such a person would take them seriously and seek support on their behalf. It would also help if a solid network of support was available.

This research provides an insight into the unique help-seeking experiences of adolescent girls who had been sexually abused, and offers contributions to policy change, training, awareness and education. Increasing community awareness and encouraging educational workshops to all those involved in child care, should prevent this already vulnerable group from being further exploited and abused.