Abstract: The objective was to look at differences in professionals’ perceptions of suggested reporting of child abuse according to Collectivist (Arabic and Indian) and Individualist (from several different Western countries) culture. A survey of 201 professionals was conducted. They were given a questionnaire that included demographic information and specially designed vignette concerning either a male or a female child. A significant differences was found in the Western culture, with respondents rating higher of reporting the unacceptability of fondling behaviour to the authorities. Also supporting the hypothesis, Collectivist cultures were significantly more likely than the Western respondents to report the consistent use of pornography to the authorities. Given the high prevalence of child abuse and low reporting rate; there is a need to scrutinize the current educational offerings, and produce strategies to increase reporting.
Keywords: Professionals’ Perceptions, Child Sexual Abuse, Reporting.
Title: Professionals' Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse: Legal Reporting in Different Cultures
Author: Samia Abul
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-3148 (online), ISSN 2348-313X (Print)
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