Comparative review of child sexual abuse practices and policies in Kenya and the United States of America (USA)

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is an umbrella that includes many forms of abuse including interfamilial abuse, abuse by persons unknown to the child and commercial exploitation, which includes sex trafficking, prostitution, exposure to and forced participation in pornography and use and abuse within a growing industry of sex tourism. Child sexual abuse policies and practice vary widely across the globe. Diverse social constructions, distinct  cultural perspectives and differing political agendas create varied policies and practices to the same phenomena in a multitude of countries. This article examines similarities and differences in policies and practices enacted to respond to the problem of child sexual abuse in Kenya and the  United States of America, via a lens of social welfare regimes. The liberal welfare regime of the United States of America emphasizes a child  protective model as a response to child sexual abuse, while the social democratic welfare state of Kenya promotes a family service approach. Both  models offer certain strengths, which must be examined within the social context of each nation. Policy proposals aimed at prevention of child sexual abuse and implications for social work in Africa, specifically Kenya are included in the analysis.

Key Terms:  child sexual abuse; child welfare policies; social welfare regimes; United States; Kenya