Professional services for child rape survivors: A child-centred perspective on helpful and harmful experiences

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore child rape survivors' perceptions of helpful and harmful experiences at the hands of professional service providers. METHOD: Focused interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 20 child rape survivors who had presented for counselling services at a non-governmental organisation located in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. For each case, information was obtained regarding children's perceptions of helpful and harmful experiences at the hands of police, medical and criminal justice system personnel. RESULTS: A thematic analysis of children's responses indicated that the concerns expressed by respondents reflected four basic inter-related needs and rights including the need and right: to be given a voice, to be informed and consulted, to be protected from harm, and for competent and efficient service provision. Study findings provided little support to the view that the medico-legal examination or the adversarial nature of legal proceedings are likely to be experienced as particularly distressing or traumatising for the child. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings indicate that the professional services provided to some child rape survivors fail to adequately address the child's basic needs and rights, with there being an associated need for improved codes of practice designed to better serve the interests of child rape survivors.