Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FAST foods, coupled with plush hotel bookings are some of the things used to trap unsuspecting minors into premature sexual encounters with older partners, according to ZRP Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) investigations.
As a result, families are being urged to frequently take their children on outings, so that they become accustomed to such experiences and are less likely to fall prey to manipulative situations.
During her presentation at the NotInMyVillage campaign, recently held in Mutare, VFU Assistant District Coordinator Sergeant Precious Chiware said: “In interviews we conduct with survivors of child sexual abuse show that most children are being lured through hotel meals or two pieces of fried chicken. This is happening, and as a result, families should regularly take their children out, so they become accustomed to such experiences and are less likely to fall prey to these temptations”.
The NotInMyVillage campaign aims to significantly reduce child marriages and all forms of child sexual abuse nationwide. The programme specifically targets community and traditional leaders, as well as male adults.
In an interview on the sidelines of the meeting, National Aids Council provincial manager Mr Artwell Shiridzinomwa, said: “It is a deliberate strategy to target community and traditional leaders, as their words carry significant influence and are often followed in their communities. We are also intentionally targeting males, as they are often fathers, brothers, and decision-makers, yet simultaneously can be perpetrators of these abuses.”
