adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
THE Attorney-General’s Office has expressed concern over an increasing number of sexual abuse and rape cases in the country most of which were occurring largely in religious organisations.
This comes in the wake of reports from the police revealing that 2,326 women were raped in Zimbabwe in 2012. Out of those victims, 1,553 were girls under the age of 16.
Speaking at the commemorations of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo, public prosecutor, Tinayeshe Matenga, said the abuse of women has been on the increase in the province and called for a multi-sectoral approach to address the problem.
She took a swipe at churches, saying they have of late have become a haven of sexual abuse.
“It is saddening that so much abuse is happening in our churches. If we cannot respect our women and girls then what Christian values are we upholding?
“The church is supposed to be a place of refuge but it has turned out to be a place of unimaginable evil acts of sexual abuse. These cases must be reported to the police as this is totally unacceptable,” he said.
The 16 Days of Activism against GBV is commemorated from November 25 to December 10 every year.
“Let me emphasise that men have a role to play in this campaign against rape and sexual violence of women and girls.
“Many men are already playing a constructive role in their communities through raising awareness and assisting the police so that they are able to arrest and facilitate prosecution of perpetrators,” she said.
According to Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS), three in every 10 women in Zimbabwe suffered from physical violence at the age of 15 while one in four women experience sexual violence.
Matenga called on members of the public to report cases of abuse to the police.
“Our constitution provides for the protection and freedom from all forms of violence by public and private sources. We should respect these rights and respect one another.
“Most importantly, cases of rape, sexual assault or any form of violence should be reported to the police. Courts and police are empowered under the Domestic Violence Act, the Sexual Offences Act and Children’s Act to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of rape and sexual violence against women and children,” she said.
Matenga deplored the rampant cases of child sexual abuse, adding that most of the cases are perpetrated by acquaintances.
“My heart bleeds when I read through stories reported in the media on why children are being raped. It is disheartening to note that the majority of these acts are perpetrated by people who are related to the victims. A number of factors, among them religion and culture, have been attributed to the increase of girls that are raped.
“Some of the perpetrators have often come up with lame excuses whenever they are caught on the wrong side of the law committing rape as a ritual while others have even blamed evil spirits and alcohol,” she said.
She urged other players to continue strengthening prevention and response strategies to address GBV particularly rape and sexual abuse of women and children.
The Attorney General’s office underscored the need for establishment of Child Protection Committee (CPC).
“We want to continue engaging with communities to raise awareness on problems of rape and sexual abuse, address attitude and practices that are harmful to children. Community based prevention and response programmes aimed at addressing violence against women and girls,” said Matenga.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter