adminReligion Reporter
Many female congregants are vulnerable to sexual abuse by church leaders as women’s emotional and physical make-ups are comparatively weaker. Harare-based psychologist Dr Farzana Naeem says, “Generally, women are physically and emotionally weaker and church leaders know this. Most of these women have problems and believe that only God can solve them through church leaders.
“It is in pursuit of help that they end up being abused. Common problems include infidelity by their husbands, barrenness and many other marital issues.”
University of Zimbabwe psychology lecturer Mr Samson Mhizha said, “The chief cause is that these church leaders promise material and spiritual assistance as a number of women in such situations will be seeking spiritual and or material help.
“Sometimes they are even threatened with death. People then blame the victim since she might have been the one who approached the religious leader.
“Some women cannot stand their ground due to lack of confidence.
‘‘Children in primary and secondary schools should be trained to be confident, especially when approached by men for sex.
‘‘In the same breath, such church leaders need rehabilitation.”
Online Reporter