Abstract
M.Sc. (Psychology)
Increasing attention has over the past decade been directed at sexual abuse in the
form of media exposure and the formation of specialised units for the protection of
children's rights. In this manner the South African Police Service have, since the
first Child Protection Unit was formed in 1986, established units country wide in an
attempt to erradicate this phenomenon.
An overwiew of the literature makes it apparent that there are lots of conflicting
opinions pertaining to sexual molestation. Not only do researchers differ in their
definitions of sexual molestation but also on the incidence, typology and ethiology
thereof. Flowing from the diverse and far reaching consequences suffered by the
victim coupled to the accompanied legal and ethical aspects, child molestation
presents as an extremely complex phenomenon to fully address.
The Child Protection Unit of the South African Police Service thus appears to
be the most appropriate place for the handling of child molestation because of the
law inforcement context thereof. The goal of the study was thus to identify the
needs of this unit in an effort to help the unit achieve the highest possible standards
of effectiveness.
To realise this study a phenomenological investigative method was used in the form
of a need assessment questionnaire which was sent to the Johannesburg and
Pretoria units. Data was collected in the form of completed questionnaires and was
evaluated and interpreted in a qualitative manner.
Needs determined, amongst others, were for more extensive training in specialised
areas as well as a need for the direct involvement of a social worker and a psychologist
at the Child Protection Unit. The above mentioned needs in conjunction with
other identified needs and criticism voiced by the respondents, formed the basis for
the recommendations proposed at the end of this thesis.