Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: A Competency-Based Approach

Background: Child sexual abuse is an urgent global issue that requires a collective solution from both developed and developing countries. School-based prevention programmes play a vital role in equipping children with protective skills.
Aim: The study examined the effectiveness of a competency-based sexual abuse prevention programme which aimed at enhancing protective behaviour skills among middle school children in Salem, Tamil Nadu.
Setting: The study was conducted among middle school students from classes VI, VII, and VIII across select schools in Tamilnadu.
Method: A quantitative single-group pre-test and post-test approach was adopted. An initial sample of 350 middle school students from classes VI, VII, and VIII was selected through stratified random sampling from eight schools in Salem. Following the pre-test, 24 students with low protective behaviour skills were selected for the intervention. Of these, 22 students (16 girls and 6 boys) completed the programme and both pre-test and post-test assessments; 2 students dropped out because of frequent absence. Data were collected using a self-developed protective behaviour skills questionnaire and an interview. The competency-based sexual abuse prevention programme included interactive lessons, role-playing, and exercises.
Results: Findings showed significant improvement in post-test scores, indicating the CBSAPP programme’s effectiveness. Interactive group activities were more impactful than lecture-based methods. Learners demonstrated increased awareness of abuse types, personal boundaries, consent and assertive communication.
Conclusion: The intervention programme effectively strengthened students’ protective behaviour skills, decision making and self-confidence.
Contribution: The supports decision-making, critical thinking, and boundary-awareness skills related to child sexual abuse prevention which may be generalised to all settings.

Competency-based sexual abuse prevention programme, Child sexual abuse

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