Child Sexual Abuse: A Social Work Perspective and Retrospective Case File Analysis

When responding to concerns of child sexual abuse (CSA), social workers must provide child-centered approaches that are developmentally appropriate and tackle the complex needs of the child(ren) and the wider needs of family members. Meeting the needs of the whole family, not only safeguards and prevents future harm, but helps address trauma, and promotes strength within the child and family unit. Using a concurrent triangulated mixed method design; nine semi-structured interviews with social workers and a multi-level retrospective case analysis of 41 CSA cases were undertaken. Using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis we developed three themes: (1) CSA cases are highly complex in which family challenges and intergenerational abuse are frequently observed; (2) Barriers exist when attempting to access or engage external services in cases of CSA; and (3) The emotional labour experienced by SWs engaging in CSA work means that training and support is vital. We hope to inform social work policy in CSA cases and call for improved data recording practices; improved social work knowledge and confidence; greater understanding by funders of the needs and service gaps for children and families; and better provision of support and supervision for social workers.