News / National
'Rapists must be castrated,' says Muchinguri
28 Nov 2013 at 09:13hrs | Views
THE Government must consider "chemical castration" for rapists, Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Oppah Muchinguri said yesterday.
Chemical castration is the injection of the Depo-Provera drug in rapists that reduces testosterone levels, which in turn lowers sex drive.
Speaking during the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Gweru, Muchinguri said the fight against the abuse of women and children by sex predators required new tactics.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was launched under the theme "From Peace in the home to Peace in our communities".
"In other countries like the United States and Britain, rapists are injected with drugs that reduce sex drive. This reduces cases of rape and sexual abuse of women. President Mugabe once said rapists must be castrated," she said.
Minister Muchinguri said society must not protect rapists and those who abuse women and children.
Traditional, religious and cultural norms have contributed significantly to sexual violence against women and children, she added.
"Some believe that having sex with either a virgin or a minor will help them cure HIV. Society must condemn such heinous acts and these shameful perpetrators should face the full wrath of the law," she said.
Citing police figures, she added: "The first quarter of 2012 saw a total of 2 326 women being raped of which 1 553 of the victims were juveniles.
"According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, three in every 10 women have suffered from physical violence while one in four women has experienced sexual violence.
"Since the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act in 2007, there has been a marked increase in reported cases of domestic violence from 1 940 in 2008 to 10 871 in 2012."
She urged churches and traditional leaders to play a role in reducing gender-based violence as well as rape and sexual abuse of women.
"We appeal to churches and traditional leaders who are opinion leaders to complement Government efforts in trying to reduce gender-based violence as well as rape and abuse of women.
Social institutions such as churches must not facilitate abuse of women but instead must help in identifying culprits. We have heard situations of forced marriages and children failing to go to school. These issues must be addressed immediately."
Chemical castration is the injection of the Depo-Provera drug in rapists that reduces testosterone levels, which in turn lowers sex drive.
Speaking during the launch of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Gweru, Muchinguri said the fight against the abuse of women and children by sex predators required new tactics.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was launched under the theme "From Peace in the home to Peace in our communities".
"In other countries like the United States and Britain, rapists are injected with drugs that reduce sex drive. This reduces cases of rape and sexual abuse of women. President Mugabe once said rapists must be castrated," she said.
Minister Muchinguri said society must not protect rapists and those who abuse women and children.
Traditional, religious and cultural norms have contributed significantly to sexual violence against women and children, she added.
Citing police figures, she added: "The first quarter of 2012 saw a total of 2 326 women being raped of which 1 553 of the victims were juveniles.
"According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, three in every 10 women have suffered from physical violence while one in four women has experienced sexual violence.
"Since the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act in 2007, there has been a marked increase in reported cases of domestic violence from 1 940 in 2008 to 10 871 in 2012."
She urged churches and traditional leaders to play a role in reducing gender-based violence as well as rape and sexual abuse of women.
"We appeal to churches and traditional leaders who are opinion leaders to complement Government efforts in trying to reduce gender-based violence as well as rape and abuse of women.
Social institutions such as churches must not facilitate abuse of women but instead must help in identifying culprits. We have heard situations of forced marriages and children failing to go to school. These issues must be addressed immediately."
Source - chronicle
