Sexual exploitation and abuse among adolescents in Ghana: The role of schools

Author: Fraga Rizo, Cynthia; Masa, Rainier; Godoy, Sarah & O’Brien, Jennifer

Abstract: Sexual abuse and exploitation (SEA) are two distinct but often overlapping forms of sexual victimization affecting school-aged adolescents throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, yet few studies have explored the role of schools in preventing such forms of victimization. This exploratory study used secondary cross-sectional data to examine the relationship between SEA among adolescents in Ghana and school-related factors. Data came from a 2014 endline survey that collected student- and school-level data from youth aged 15 to 18 years participating in a youth development program. Based on data from 103 Ghanaian youth we found that experiencing SEA was significantly related to adolescents’ commitment to school, distance to school, and the frequency of school-based health screenings. The study also determined that academic expectations moderated the relationship between commitment to school and experiencing SEA. These findings highlight the importance of exploring the role of schooling and education in preventing and responding to SEA. Moreover, study findings suggest that in addition to enhancing school supports and programing, efforts to increase educational opportunities for those interested in higher education may also serve to prevent SEA.

Keywords: schools, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sub-Sahara Africa