Abstract:

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent abuses a child for sexual stimulation, physical gratification or financial profit. It is an international phenomenon that has immediate adverse effects as well as chronic physical, psychological and developmental issue consequences on the victim(s). This paper describes the role of Child Protective Services (CPS) education in the investigation of cases of sexual abuse. It discusses the structure of investigation, risk assessment in child sexual abuse, specific techniques for interviewing children and making a determination about the validity of an allegation, in addition to red flags to look out for in likely child sexual abusers. The research finds that most sexual abuse offenders are acquainted with their victims. Also, although child abuse occurs in Nigeria, the phenomenon has received little attention. The paper concludes that parents, guardians, and organizations can do more to protect children sexually without starting a witch-hunt. It therefore recommends that understanding how offenders work, creating a system that frustrates them, and creating a louder awareness on the existence of this challenge and its causative factors, are imperative steps in protecting children and strengthening families.

Keywords:

Child sexual abuse, Protective services education, Investigations.