Charles, George2019-12-232020-01-082019-12-232020-01-082015Charles, G (2015) An investigation of sexual abuse among o-level secondary school students in Tanzania and its effects on students’ academic development:a case of Ilala municipality.Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/4592Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HQ72T34C4752)The purpose of this study was to investigate sexual abuse existing on the O-Level secondary school students aged between 14-17 years in Tanzania. The specific objectives were to identify the knowledge students have about various forms and causes of sexual abuse ; to analyse the methods used to lure students into sexual activities; to identify the effects of sexual abuse on students’ behaviour and academic development; and to analyse measures being taken to curb sexual abuse of secondary school students.The study employed mixed research approach with descriptive survey design. The data were collected through a questionnaire and interview. The study was carried out in ten secondary schools from five wards in Ilala Municipality. Stratified simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain the study sample. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.The findings indicate that all the students were aware and had adequate knowledge of sexual abuse. The study revealed that 33.9% of students had experienced sexual abuses in one form or another. Most perpetrators were relatives, strangers, friends, school watchmen and step parents. The incidents mostly occurred at homes, beaches, and on the way back home from school. The study concludes that sexual abuse among secondary school students mostly exists and occurs in familiar settings by familiar people. Serious measures need to be taken to curb the problem. Otherwise, most of secondary school students will continue to be victimizedenSex crimesSecondary schools studentsAcademic achievementIlala municipalityTanzaniaKinondoni municipalThesis