The dual risk of child sexual abuse and HIV infection facing orphans and other vulnerable children in South Africa

Abstract

The risks of child sexual abuse (CSA) and HIV infection are interrelated, wherein each can be, and often is, a causal factor for the other. Children who have been orphaned or who are vulnerable in other ways appear to be at risk for both CSA and HIV. This report looks specifically at this dual risk facing orphans and other vulnerable children in South Africa. The research found that care settings play a critical role in protecting children from sexual abuse and HIV infection, with several types of care environments posing increased risk for orphans: kinship care, children in the care of an aged grandparent, children in foster care, children in child‐headed households and children in residential care. Other categories of vulnerable children comprise children living and working on the street, children affected (but not orphaned) by HIV or AIDS, children with physical or learning disabilities, and children in conflict with the law.