The frequency and predictors of poly-victimisation of South African children and the role of schools in its prevention

Abstract

Violence has become a characteristic feature of South African society, with women and children often bearing the brunt of this. Contemporary research suggests that the key to stemming the tide of child victimisation is understanding the complete inventory of victimisations that may co-occur during childhood. There is growing recognition that children in South Africa typically experience abuse in the context of other forms of maltreatment and victimisation. This article draws on the empirical data collected for a national prevalence and incidence study on child sexual abuse and maltreatment in South Africa and draws attention to the frequency of poly-victimisation amongst South African children and highlights why some children experience multiple co-occurring forms of victimisations while others do not. Understanding the complete victim profile of young children, and how the different forms of victimisation they experience intersect, is critical to ensuring that the most vulnerable South Africans are provided with the extensive and targeted interventions required to break free from their heightened vulnerability to victimisation.

Keywords:

• Poly-victimisation
• children
• South Africa
• schools
• violence prevention