Stories from Lake Volta: The lived experiences of trafficked children in Ghana

Hamenoo, Emma Seyram; Sottie, Cynthia Akorfa

doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.06.007

Cited by 21 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Insightfully, districts along the Volta Lake, where the study identified clustering of high early sexual debut, have also been reported as hotspots of child trafficking with several consequential effects for both male and female children [ 34 ]. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that more than 21,000 trafficked children engaged in hazardous activities on the Volta Lake in Ghana, which is the largest man-made lake in the world [ 34 , 35 ]. Research evidence show that these areas are sated with child sexual exploitation, hazardous and abusive labour engagements, denial of medical care, education and other social opportunities [ 35 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geographical hotspots and correlates of early sexual debut among women in Ghana

Johnson

2022

Reprod Health

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Objectives Generalisation of sexual behaviour, including early sexual initiation, does not provide comprehensive knowledge of young people’s sexual attitudes, behaviours and challenges, given the high sociocultural diversity and economic inequalities within countries. This study examines geographical hotspots of early sexual initiation, at the district level in Ghana and the factors associated with the observed spatial patterns. Methods Data was derived from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey, covering 21,392 women aged 15–49 years. Early sexual debut denotes first sexual intercourse before attaining the legal age of sexual consent, which in Ghana, is 16 years. The Bayesian geoadditive semiparametric regression technique was used to examine geographical hotspots and correlates of the observed spatial patterns, classified into demographic, socioeconomic and pregnancy outcome factors. Results The results show that 26.7% (95% CI = 26.1–27.3) of women had their first sexual intercourse before attaining the age of 16 years. Hotspots of early sexual debut was observed predominantly among districts along the mainstream of the Volta Lake, which are also reported hotspots of child trafficking, labour and slavery. Demographic, socioeconomic and pregnancy related factors were identified to be correlated with the observed spatial clustering. Conclusion Policies and interventions such as sexual and reproductive health education should target at-risk population, simultaneously addressing other child abuses perpetuating the practice.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geographical hotspots and correlates of early sexual debut among women in Ghana

Johnson

2022

Reprod Health

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“…Fishing on Lake Volta, Ghana by children is commonplace. These children experience a high level of maltreatment such as being forced to dive to remove trapped nets, as well as physical and verbal abuse, and sexual harassment [15] .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A critical review of child abuse and its management in Africa

Badoe

2017

African Journal of Emergency Medicine

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IntroductionChild abuse in Africa is a major threat to the achievement of the sustainable development goals on the continent and has become increasingly topical with a dramatic increase in recognition and an appreciation of the long term harmful effects on the affected population. The aim of this review was to outline current management of child abuse (especially sexual abuse) and highlight current preventive practice that could be beneficial in a resource-limited environment.MethodsA search of Medline and reference lists of the literature on child abuse in African countries and relevant world literature was conducted in December 2016. The review was written narratively, rather than systematically as a general overview was desired, instead of a focused view of individual aspects of child abuse.RecommendationsOpportunities for early identification of child abuse, as well as research into preventative strategies should be prioritised. Establishing strong institutions and guidance to tackle abuse when it occurs is both beneficial to the survivors and the continent at large.

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“…Trafficking children is one of the most severe forms of child abuse (Hamenoo & Sottie, 2015). Commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), a form of trafficking, is considered to be the third largest trafficking industry worldwide after drugs and arms, and women and girls are reported to constitute 98% of people trafficked for sexual exploitation (Rafferty, 2013).…”

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confidence: 99%

Posttraumatic distress, hope, and growth in survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Nepal.

Volgin¹,

Shakespeare‐Finch²,

Shochet³

2019

Traumatology

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Commercial sexual exploitation affects between 5,000 and 7,000 girls and women in Nepal each year and can have devastating physical and psychological consequences. Much research has documented these effects; however, there is no published research that focuses on whether healing and growth outcomes are possible for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. The narratives of 26 girls and women (13-18 years) were taken at two time points during participation in a 6-week group psychoeducation and art therapy program, which was delivered across three nongovernmental organizations in Kathmandu, Nepal. Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. Themes emerging from Time Point 1 were psychological distress in the form of anxiety and grief over loss of family, psychosomatic symptoms, empathy and compassion, and posttraumatic growth (PTG; new possibilities, relating to others, and personal strength). The themes emerging from Time Point 2, were empathy and compassion and PTG (cognitive restructuring, new possibilities, relating to others, and personal strength). These outcomes were seen alongside ongoing distress. Future research would advance knowledge by further examining the process of PTG in this population, if the changes observed were lasting, and, if so, ways in which PTG can be facilitated or promoted.

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Stories from Lake Volta: The lived experiences of trafficked children in Ghana

Cited by 21 publications

References 15 publications

Geographical hotspots and correlates of early sexual debut among women in Ghana

Geographical hotspots and correlates of early sexual debut among women in Ghana

A critical review of child abuse and its management in Africa

Posttraumatic distress, hope, and growth in survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Nepal.

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