Risk and Protective Factors for Child Sexual Abuse in Indonesia: Cross-sectional Findings From the 2024 National Survey on Child and Adolescent Life Experiences (SNPHAR 2024).

OBJECTIVES

Child sexual abuse is the most frequently reported form of violence against children in Indonesia, with reported cases increasing over the past 5 years. This study aimed to identify risk and protective factors associated with sexual abuse among adolescents aged 13-17 years in Indonesia.

METHODS

The analysis used data from the 2024 National Survey of Children's and Adolescents' Life Experiences (SNPHAR), including 6811 respondents. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi-square tests to identify variables associated with sexual abuse. Variables with p-values less than 0.25 in binary logistic regression were included in multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios, adjusted odds ratios (aORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify risk and protective factors associated with the experience of sexual abuse.

RESULTS

Overall, 8.7% of respondents reported experiencing sexual abuse. Protective factors included never having worked (aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.99; p<0.05), never having witnessed violence (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.24; p<0.001), and no history of sexual intercourse (aOR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.15; p<0.001). Conversely, positive gender attitudes (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.87; p<0.001) and knowledge of child protection services (aOR, 3.85; 95% CI, 3.15 to 4.72; p<0.001) were unexpectedly associated with elevated risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Violence-free environments and limited exposure to early sexual experiences appear to represent critical protective factors. Counterintuitive associations suggest potential influences of cultural norms, patriarchy, and limited access to services.