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Submission Number: 91
Submission ID: 880
Submission UUID: 131ddf64-c344-45b3-b5f7-d311c2cd28a2
Submission URI: /2025/abstracts
Created: Tue, 04/29/2025 - 18:50
Completed: Tue, 04/29/2025 - 19:13
Changed: Sun, 08/03/2025 - 13:05
Remote IP address: 165.73.163.209
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Current page: Complete
Webform: Abstract
Presenters
Dr.
Smith
Sufran
Nwu
I am a registered social worker with the South African Council for Social Service Professions and currently serving as a senior lecturer and the programme coordinator in forensic social work at North-West University. My academic experience includes supervision of post graduate students in qualitative research as well as review studies. I am dedicated to advancing the field through teaching, research, and community engagement. With expertise in child protection, forensic interviewing, and legal processes. I contribute to the professional development of future social workers. My academic work emphasises ethical practice, interprofessional collaboration, and justice for vulnerable populations.
Yes
Ms.
Ramsden
Marlize
ENGO
Marlize Ramsden graduated from the University of the Free State in 2016. She started as a social worker at NICRO in Bloemfontein where she conducted where she was exposed to diversion programs for child sexual offenders. Marlize Ramsden moved to Childline Free State in 2019 as child protection social worker. During this time, she worked with several cases of sexual abuse and her interest in Forensic Social Work started. Marlize Ramsden started her Master’s Degree in Forensic Practice at North-West University in 2022 and completed her studies in 2025. Her research title is Practices of social workers managing sibling child sexual abuse cases in Free State, South Africa.
Yes
Prof
Crofford
Elmien
NWU
I am an associate professor of Social Work at NWU. I hold a BSW in Social Work from Stellenbosch University (2007), a master’s degree in Social Work (Forensic Practice) from NWU, (2011), and a PhD in Social Work from NWU, 2014. I am also a registered social worker. I have worked at SAVF and Child Welfare SA as child protection social worker. I joined the NWU as lecturer in 2013. I am active in research, student supervision, and publications in international and national journals. I am on the editorial boards of Child & Adolescent Social Work, Maatskaplike Werk/ Social Work.
Abstract
Practices of social workers managing sibling child sexual abuse cases in Free State, South Africa
THEME 2: Social Work and the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SUB 2.2 Research and practice strategies pertaining to health, mental health and wellbeing including poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Oral Presentation
Background: Child protection social workers (CPSWs) managing sibling sexual abuse (SSA) cases are faced with uncertainty regarding intervention as guidelines are unavailable. While SSA has been internationally researched, the legal and cultural context differs in South Africa (SA). There is a gap in SA practice/literature pertaining to practice guidelines of CPSWs managing cases of SSA. Research was conducted to explore current practices of CPSWs managing SSA cases in the Free State, South Africa.
Objective: To explore the current practices of CPSWs managing cases of SSA.
Participants and setting: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten CPSWs in different child protection organisations (CPOs) in the Free State, South Africa.
Methods: Qualitative descriptive study: Semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by thematic analysis.
Findings: In general, participants reported similar current practices in the management of SSA cases including the removal of the transgressor, the lack of guidelines available, as well as making use of current legislation such as the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 although not providing specific guidelines for CPSWs. Findings correlate with international literature where it was also found that the transgressor will rather be removed and that guidelines needed to be developed for CPOS managing cases of child SSA.
Conclusions: Our findings align with existing international literature, including ensuring the safety of the victims, removing the transgressor, and holistic service delivery. Participants noted challenges, including victims becoming transgressors and facing a multitude of problems including depression due to the prohibition of therapy during the criminal trial. Findings also conclude that participants are unsure what to do and make use of various intervention models. This highlights a gap in both practice and legislation/policy in South Africa, as there are no clear guidelines available for CPSWs.
Objective: To explore the current practices of CPSWs managing cases of SSA.
Participants and setting: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten CPSWs in different child protection organisations (CPOs) in the Free State, South Africa.
Methods: Qualitative descriptive study: Semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by thematic analysis.
Findings: In general, participants reported similar current practices in the management of SSA cases including the removal of the transgressor, the lack of guidelines available, as well as making use of current legislation such as the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 although not providing specific guidelines for CPSWs. Findings correlate with international literature where it was also found that the transgressor will rather be removed and that guidelines needed to be developed for CPOS managing cases of child SSA.
Conclusions: Our findings align with existing international literature, including ensuring the safety of the victims, removing the transgressor, and holistic service delivery. Participants noted challenges, including victims becoming transgressors and facing a multitude of problems including depression due to the prohibition of therapy during the criminal trial. Findings also conclude that participants are unsure what to do and make use of various intervention models. This highlights a gap in both practice and legislation/policy in South Africa, as there are no clear guidelines available for CPSWs.
Reviewer ONE Feedback
Dr
Bashizi Bashige
Murhula
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted
Reviewer TWO Feedback
Mr
Jean-Paul
Pophaim
Yes
Empirical Research
Accepted