Psychosocial Problems among Survivors and Suggested Interventions for Coping with Child Sacrifice in Uganda

Abstract

Child sacrifice remains a profound challenge to human socio-cultural rights. The increasing problem manifests in several dimensions. It results to death of some children, disappearance of others, children with life-time deformations and/or irreversible disabilities, to the detriment of the child and his/her immediate and extended families. Each child and family victim faces unique and diverse traumatic experiences and peculiar challenges, so are the coping mechanisms, where coping ever occurs. This paper identifies some of the challenges contingent upon cases illustrated. Analysis of the challenges faced and possible coping is guided by a framework of theories that underpin coping with traumatic experiences. These include; the play therapy for children, cognitive-behavioural therapy, the stage specific model, narrative coping mechanisms, and support and self-help groups therapy. Hence, a reflection on how the victims, survivors and their families/caregivers actually cope in practice, based on documented cases is made.

“I drive my happiness when I save a child”: Altruistic passion, purpose, and growth in caring for victims of child sacrifice and trafficking in Uganda.

“…Child sacrifice is an abhorrent form of child abuse and violence, yet it remains an unrelenting criminal phenomenon hidden in modern society in many countries around the world. Long-term implications on victims' health and well-being include permanent, disfiguring physical injuries, traumatic emotional scarring, and ongoing educational and mental health issues (Luwangula et al, 2014). In addition, families of survivors in countries such as Uganda are often left to carry the burden of recovery alone without any legal redress or moral and psychological support (Dennison et al, 2013).…”