Protection and Support Services for Sexually Abused Female Children in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract The article sought to examine and identify the protection and support services provided for sexually abused female children in a safe home in Ethiopia. This organization works with underprivileged female children at risk or victims of violence and physical and sexual abuse. The qualitative research method was used to show how vulnerable female children were protected and got the support they needed to rehabilitate, recover and rejoin society. Ten sexually abused female children from the safe home were interviewed as the target group, and six key informants also participated in the study. Documents in the safe home were reviewed, and observations were made in the compound. The finding showed that when including the provision of protection and support services for sexually abused female children at the safe home, it helped to address their emotional, social, and spiritual needs with significant service efficiency. Finally, implications for application to service improvement are suggested. Future studies were suggested to examine the experiences of other safe homes in Ethiopia. A quantitative study that evaluates the victims’ psychosocial changes over time in safe homes could also be an area for future studies.