Beyond Stigma and Silence : A qualitative interview study examining the structure and practices of social work at local NGOs in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania concerning individuals with disabilities who have been subjected to sexual exploitation

This study explores how social workers at local NGOs in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania support individuals with disabilities who have been subjected to sexual exploitation. Drawing on qualitative interviews with social workers at local NGOs, the study investigates how institutional practices, socio-cultural norms and intersecting systems of inequality shape both the provision and limitations of support. The findings reveal that stigma, silence and deeply rooted beliefs about disability, gender and sexuality create significant barriers for both victims and professionals. NGO social workers operate within a context where victims are often silenced not only by perpetrators, but also by societal norms that often place blame on the victim. This study highlights how multiple forms of marginalization, such as being a woman, living in poverty and having disability interact and reinforce vulnerability. Furthermore, traditional practices such as resolving cases of sexual exploitation within families challenge the role of formal support systems and complicate the work of social workers. Both intersectional and institutional theory have been used to analyse how professional practice is shaped by both sociocultural expectations and structural limitations. The results underscore the complexity of social work in this context and emphasize the need for socioculturally informed, ethically grounded and context-sensitive approaches to support and protection