History of victimization and interest in having access to a helpline among adolescents

Objectives: Child helpline provides immediate consultation and/or referral of child related problems specifically focuses on assisting victims of child abuse and neglect (CAN). The aim of this study is to examine the magnitude... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: Child helpline provides immediate consultation and/or referral of child related problems specifically focuses on assisting victims of child abuse and neglect (CAN). The aim of this study is to examine the magnitude of adolescents’ exposure and characteristics of potential callers to a helpline.

Methods: A cross-sectional, national survey utilizing ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool Children’s Version (ICAST-CH), supported by a grant from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) was conducted in secondary schools in the five main regions of Saudi Arabia. Boys and girls, public and private schools were selected to participate. Students (N=16,010) aged 15-18 years were invited to complete the survey.

Results: Participant’s mean age 16.8±0.9 years, and 51% boys. Eighty seven percent (N=13,891) of the total participants reported being abused ranged from single (13%) to multiple forms (87%). Sixty percent (N=6,986) of the abused participants had interest in having access to child helpline. Those who had interest in having access to child helpline were more likely to be abused compared to those who didn’t (p<0.01). Significant gender difference was found in having access to child helpline and it was more likely among abused girls (p<0.01). Regarding number of abuse events, having access to child helpline was found more likely in multiple forms compared to single forms (p<0.01). Supporting factors to having access to child helpline included older age 17-18 years (OR=1.1, CI=1.0-1.2), girls (OR=1.4, CI=1.2-1.4), and multiple forms of abuse (OR=1.3, CI=1.1-1.4).

Conclusions: Educating children about the use of child helpline through outreach and awareness-raising activities might reduce the prevalence of CAN.