Prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA), including unwanted sexual touching, is of critical significance, and interventions with culturally
diverse groups pose significant challenges to child and adolescent psychiatry. The objective, using Cambodia as a case study, is to provide a framework for a culturally responsive program to prevent CSA. We explored cultural constructions of all forms of CSA and how people reconciled their ideas with those brought by Western mental health professionals. Through content analysis, we noted the cultural registers and the use of popular cultural references. CSA prevention programs in developing countries often strive to change the local cultural values through education. We argue that a better strategy is to leverage—rather than eradicate—these beliefs to overcome misbeliefs about CSA including unwanted sexual touching. The findings provide a template to enable child and adolescent psychiatrists, working with police, counselors, educators, and rights-based organizations, to provide better services to those affected by CSA. There are implications for child and adolescent psychiatrists working with immigrants who resettle in Western countries.
Eisenbruch, M, Chhun, P, Chou, S. and van de Put, W. (2021). How Should Child Psychiatrists be Culturally Responsive to Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Including Unwanted Sexual Touching? an Ethnographic Study in Cambodia. [39989]. 68th Annual Meeting, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 18-30 October. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Supp. (forthcoming).https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2021.09.168