[Reconciliation and/or mediation settlements in cases of sexual abuse of minors in Cameroon].
The twofold purpose of this study was to show that cases of sexual abuse involving minors can sometimes be resolved within the victim's entourage and to gain insight into the long-term clinical consequences of such acts. The study group was composed of 17 consultees recruited between 1993 and 1994. Inclusion criteria were level of education and understanding sufficient to obtain informed consent, Cameroon nationality, at least 15 years of age, and history of sexual abuse. Persons with a history of hospitalization or psychiatric treatment were excluded. After a one-hour history-taking interview, each subject filled out a questionnaire specially designed for the study. Analysis of data showed that 94 p. 100 of the victims were female. Most subjects were adolescents or younger when the sexual abuse occurred. All had been raped. Subjects presented a range of psychiatric problems, somatic manifestations and disturbances in instinctive functions. No court action had been started in 16 cases (94 p. 100) and charges had been filed in only one case (6 p. 100). Reconciliation was achieved in 2 cases (12.5 p. 100) and negotiated settlements involving payment of financial compensation to the parents of the victim were reached to avoid court action in 14 cases (87.5 p. 100). The results of this study demonstrate that reconciliation and/or negotiated settlements based on economic incentives and social pressures are sometimes preferable to court action. The clinical manifestations observed in the subjects could be considered as the long-term consequences of sexual abuse.
Mbassa Menick
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Cameroon Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Yaoundé, Cameroun. martine.laubert@chpremontre.fr
Ngoh
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F
D000293:Adolescent; D015982:Bias; D002163:Cameroon; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D017008:Negotiating; D011902:Rape / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires