Cultural protective and risk factors: professional perspectives about child sexual abuse in Kenya.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore perspectives on cultural risks and protective factors among professionals in Kenya. METHOD An exploratory/descriptive survey of Kenyan professionals working to prevent or intervene with child sexual abuse was undertaken to determine their perspectives on how tribal culture impacts vulnerability to sexual abuse. Participants at a conference workshop, were grouped according to tribal affiliation and asked to list key factors that they believe increase or decrease risk to children of sexual abuse in that tribe. Participants from seven ethnic groupings (Somali, Miji Kendas, Luo, Kamba, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Kisii) identified factors which were then categorized by themes using qualitative examination. RESULTS Participants identified a number of cultural factors that protect children from sexual abuse as well as those that create risk for sexual abuse. Strong similarities were identified across groups; however in some cases factors viewed as risks by some were viewed as protective by others. CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory study in Kenya, professionals identified many culturally supported practices that protect against or create potential risks for child sexual abuse. Awareness of traditions and practices may inform creation of interventions for preventing child sexual abuse. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Cultural/community level factors must be considered in designing prevention and intervention programs, particularly in more collective societies.