Sex, Abuse and Childhood: A study about knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to child sexual abuse, including in travel and tourism, in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam

This report presents the findings of four separate studies, each undertaken to contribute to Project Childhood Prevention Pillar. An Australian Government initiative, Project Childhood’s main strategy, in combating the sexual abuse of children in the travel and tourism sector, was through communication interventions relevant to both the cultural and social contexts of the subject community. In order for this strategy to be successful, Project Childhood required a strong understanding of the main views, attitudes and behaviors that made girls and boys vulnerable to sexual abuse. It also required understanding of how vulnerable children, families, and communities were influenced by the media. 

This report presents the findings that provided the necessary information for Project Childhood to successfully carry out its strategy. The studies of this report focus on vulnerable communities in four countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam. Children, families and communities were interviewed on how they perceived or understood child sexual abuse. 

The findings are varied by country with some expansive similarities, of which the following are examples: a basic or limited understanding of child abuse and child rights; the perception that sexual abuse was not something that could happen to boys; a lack of understanding of child sexual abuse and practical ways to respond, prevent and identify it; and a resistance from parents and teachers to provide sex education to children.