Zim records an increase in child rape cases

THE country has recorded an increase in sexual abuse and domestic violence cases in the last two years, with about 70 percent of rape victims being children.

Police said relatives and neighbours perpetrated a majority of rape cases, while domestic violence has been linked to increased use of technology like cellphones and social networks that include Facebook and Twitter.

Speaking at a police crime awareness campaign in Bulawayo yesterday, the national coordinator of the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) Assistant Commissioner Isabella Sergio said it was worrying that children continued to bear the brunt of sexual offences.

"Out of 4 199 rape cases reported in 2012, about 2 599, that is 70 percent of the cases, were perpetrated against children. In 2011 we received 4 222 rape cases and 3 003 were against children," said Asst Comm Sergio.

She lamented late reporting of children's rape cases saying it exposed them to HIV.

"Rape of juveniles is characterised by late reporting, the majority of cases rather, discovered than disclosed.

"This denies victims access to Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which prevents HIV infection. PEP has to be administered within 72 hours of an incident of rape in order to be effective. Late reporting usually happens in rape within families, where parents or guardians are either reluctant to report, choose to protect the perpetrator, do not believe the child or just try to brush the allegations aside," said Asst Comm Sergio.

She said rapists are usually known to the victims and in some cases, close relatives like fathers, stepfathers, uncles, brothers and cousins.

"Of the reported rape cases so far, 41 percent were perpetrated by neighbours and 27 percent by relatives. We therefore encourage parents and guardians to be wary who they leave their children with. Increased supervision of children is called for, so is imparting of some age appropriate knowledge and preventive skills on sexual abuse," said the VFU coordinator.

Asst Comm Sergio said some boyfriends were in the habit of spiking drinks with intoxicating substances so that they could rape their dates.

She said it was also a point of great concern that boys under the age of 18 had also developed a habit of abusing girls below the age of 12. "These teenage boys take advantage of unaccompanied minors left in their custody or waylay them in secluded foot paths. Lack of accommodation, particularly in urban areas, has also resulted in children sharing bedrooms with male relatives, who may subject them to abuse," said Asst Comm Sergio.

She dismissed the assertion by some men that women and girls dressed provocatively thereby inviting rape.

"It does not matter whether you are an infant, or great grandmother, sell tomatoes or occupy high posts, women and even children in diapers are getting raped on a daily basis," said Asst Comm Sergio.

She said domestic violence cases increased by eight percent, between 2011 and last year.

"In 2011 we received 10 351 domestic violence cases, as compared to 12 085 in 2012. Murder as a result of domestic violence also continues to rise," said Asst Comm Sergio.

She said the link between domestic violence and technology had become very significant as a number of cases emanated from invasion of privacy, particularly through cellphones and e-mails.

Asst Comm Sergio said altercations over infidelity and misuse of family income were also major sources of domestic violence.

She called for unity of purpose among stakeholders to stamp out the evils of rape and domestic violence.

"Domestic violence and rape are problems with a solution and the solution lies with you and me. The police would like to urge everyone to be part of the campaign against sexual abuse and domestic violence through making sure it does not happen and when it does, bringing to our attention all cases or suspected cases of sexual and domestic violence," said Asst Comm Sergio.

She said there was a Victim Friendly Unit at every police station with specially trained officers that both men and women could turn to for assistance.

In Bulawayo, the public can use the 24-hour police hotline number (09) 885479 or use the national toll free Childline number 116 to report child abuse.