Hidden Harms: The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse Among Young Girls (13-17 Years) in Small-Scale Mining Communities

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of sexual abuse among young girls in small-scale mining communities. The research utilises the Intersectionality Theory proposed by Kimberle Crenshaw (1989), which provides the theoretical basis of the study. The following objectives guide the study: to investigate the forms of sexual abuse among young girls in small-scale mining communities; to explore the contributing factors of sexual abuse among young girls in small-scale mining communities; and to develop community-based strategies that can be utilised to address sexual abuse among young girls in smallscale mining communities . A purposive sample of nine (9) young girls was selected. Semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Interviews were used to generate data in this research. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Thematic Analysis approach was also used to analyse data. It emerged from the study that the support for sexual abuse survivors includes crisis centres, counselling, medical care, legal aid, and community outreach programmes. The study concludes that young girls in small-scale mining communities face various problems in as far as sexual abuse is concerned. These problems affect them psychologically, socially and physically. Whilst child protection systems have been put in place to address these problems, the research uncovers loopholes which have proved young girls in small-scale mining communities to be a highly vulnerable population in these settings. It is, therefore, recommended that mining laws be incorporated in child protection frameworks and introduce strict licencing to monitor small-scale mining in order to protect young girls from sexual abuse. Multi sectoral collaboration is also encouraged to effectively address the problem of sexual abuse to counter resource problems which may hinder child protection in these communities. Non-state actors should establish strong partnerships and referral mechanisms with other community-based organisations to facilitate seamless access to a wider range of resources.