Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Sexual abuse has severe negative impacts on childrenâs lives, but little is known about risk factors for sexual abuse victimization in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined prospective predictors of contact sexual abuse in a random community-based sample of children aged 10-17 (n=3515, 56.6% female) in rural and urban areas in South Africa. Anonymous self-report questionnaires using validated scales were completed at baseline and at one-year follow-up (96.8% retention rate). Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between hypothesized factors and sexual abuse were examined. Multivariate logistic regressions controlling for socio-demographics showed that for girls, previous sexual abuse (OR 3.44, 95% CI 2.03-5.60), baseline school dropout (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.00-6.19) and physical assault in the community (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.29-3.48) predicted sexual abuse at follow-up. Peer social support (OR .84, 95% CI .74-.98) acted as a protective factor. Previous contact sexual abuse was the strongest predictor of subsequent sexual abuse victimization. Additionally, peer support moderated the relationship between baseline assault and subsequent sexual abuse. For boys, no longitudinal predictors for sexual abuse victimization were identified in this sample. These results indicate that the most vulnerable girls - those not in school and with a history of victimization - are at higher risk for sexual abuse victimization. High levels of peer support reduced the risk of sexual abuse victimization and acted as a moderator for those who had experienced physical assault within the community. Interventions to reduce school dropout rates and re-victimization may help prevent contact sexual abuse of girls in South Africa