Abstract:
The under-reporting of sexual abuse reduces the chances of winning the battle against sexual
abuse of women and children in Zimbabwe. It leaves girl children powerless and vulnerable,
despite the country’s determination to put an end to injustice and gender discrimination in
line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 5, which focuses on
gender and equality, and SDG 16, which is concerned with justice and peace. The aim of this
study was to explore the barriers to reporting sexual abuse in Ruwa. Informed by the human
rights-based approach, the study adopted a quantitative research design. Survey data were
solicited from 51 randomly selected female respondents. Results revealed that 69% of the
respondents were abused, yet only 2% of the total respondents reported the abuse to authorities,
while 67% did not report incidences of abuse. About 98% of respondents believed that most
sexual abuse cases in Ruwa went unreported. Results also showed that barriers to reporting
sexual abuses comprised cultural and economic factors, most of which were characterised by
shame, embarrassment, and fear, as well as the desire to protect male breadwinners. The
results are consistent with existing literature generalisations on sexual abuse, particularly in
terms of the prevalence of sexual abuse and under-reporting. It is also argued that culture
is the determinant factor for most of the barriers to reporting sexual abuse, as well as
the effects of reporting.
Based on the results and in view of promoting and protecting human rights associated with
sexuality, the study recommends that local authorities and social institutions implement
awareness programmes and campaigns on reporting sexual abuse in the community.
CONTRIBUTION : This study is the first of its kind in Ruwa. Its significance is embedded in how it
reflects on the role played by culture, religion and societal views on matters of sexual abuse.
