AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

My sincerest gratitude to my study leader, Professor G.M. Spies for encouraging me to conduct a research study on such a sensitive subject. Her knowledge, skills and expertise in the field of sexual abuse made me attentive to the significance of this study. It was an honour for me to share my passion for the social work profession with her. I would like to be able to follow in the footsteps of empowerment and positive change she creates in people’s lives. Special thanks to the participants of this research study. Their honesty and willingness to share their personal experience with me made this study possible. It allowed the findings to be of true scientific value. My fiancé, Armand Venter: thank you for your continuous encouragement during this process. Your prayers, emotional support and your trust in me, not only inspired me, but also made me believe in myself. Thank you for giving me the strength I needed to be able to reach this goal. Heartfelt thanks to my parents, John and Beatrice Hodgetts for their unwavering belief in me. The fact that they are proud of me as their daughter, regardless of any achievements, inspired me to aim to reach my full potential in every endeavour- and especially in this research study. To the Lord of my life, Jesus Christ: Thank You for making this research study possible in every way imaginable. You gave me strength, peace and a sound mind to approach this challenge with enthusiasm and a firm belief that it will be a great success. Thank you for my abilities and for guiding me in my profession as a social worker to experience fulfilment in every way