Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception on Child Sex Tourism among the Stakeholders in Bohol, Philippines

Abstract

Child sex tourism (or CST) refers to child sexual abuse wherein perpetrators are identified as tourists in the place where the child comes from. The study sought to determine the level of knowledge, awareness, and perception among the stakeholders in the province of Bohol on child sex tourism. Utilizing a quantitative method approach with the aid of a survey questionnaire, the study involved 316 stakeholders from the Local Government Unit (LGU), Philippine National Police (PNP), and resort owners and employees. The study revealed that the stakeholders were extremely knowledgeable, moderately aware, and moderately agree on CST in their respective communities. Using the analysis of Paired Sample T-Test, revealed that there was a significant correlation among the variables on the level of knowledge, awareness, and perception of CST as perceived by the stakeholders. The findings of this study encourage reinforcement of evidence-based advocacy and continued lobbying to improve and implement child protection policies in the province.