Boys are made vulnerable to sexual abuse due to lack of care within a culture that accepts and allows relaxed supervision for them, a recent study commissioned by ChildLink has concluded.
The study, titled ‘Caring for Boys: Social Norm Drivers of Sexual Abuse of Boys in Guyana,’ also found that societal culture, which expects a boy to protect his manhood, and the shame and blame affixed to sexual abuse may contribute to the concealment and non-reporting when they are violated.
“Boys often face a dilemma since the perpetrators may be known adult authority figures who they have been taught to respect and trust and who should protect them from all forms of abuse,” it said.
