Abstract
M.A.
The sexual molesting of children is a phenomenon that can definitely
not be ignored. In April 1989 the Minister of Law and Order intimated
in his opening address at a symposium that this phenomenon should
certainly not be allowed to spread like a cancer throughout. society.
In reality the' sexual molesting of children has a long history
throughout many centuries. Sexual child molesting is currently
prominently in the forefront since the exposure of this phenomenon in
1988. The South African Police have established Child Protection units
country-wide to establish a support system with regard to combatting
this phenomenon.
Two aims of this study are, amongst others, specifically to determine
the profile of the child molester and to determine the origin,
functioning and procedure of the Child Protection unit of the South
African Police.
This study is primarily of an investigative nature since it is aimed
at obtaining insight and gaining understanding. The study can also be
defined as self-initiated research due to the researcher's interest in
the phe,nomenon of child molesting as such.
The most important methods followed to realize this study were that
firstly a thorough literature study was conducted. Secondly, a pilot
investigation was carried out by means of a structured questionnaire
that was completed by members of the Child Protection unit of the South
African Police in Johannesburg. Four questionnaires were completed and
in such a way deficiencies could be identified and eliminated. This
structured questionnaire was sent country-wide for completion by Child
Protection units. Thirdly, observation through participation was
applied in that the researcher entered the milieu of the Child
Protection unit of the South African Police in Johannesburg. Lastly,
information was continuously documented and systematized in the study.