Social perceptions on female perpetrators of child sexual abuse in the Mazowe district, Zimbabwe
- Author
- Nyamurera, David
- Title
- Social perceptions on female perpetrators of child sexual abuse in the Mazowe district, Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- The purpose of the study was to understand social perceptions of communities towards female perpetrators of child sexual abuse in Mazowe District, Zimbabwe. Child sexual abuse is generally viewed as a crime committed by male perpetrators. The objectives of the study covered community perceptions on female-perpetrated CSA, effects of CSA, the community response mechanism, and the developed CEM model. This research was posited in the interpretivist paradigm and guided by the qualitative research methodology. A case study design of the Mazowe District was used. Data from 42 participants, who comprised the adolescents, FSWs, parents, government ministries, CSOs, and chiefs, were collected using key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. Data analysis was done using the thematic analysis route and was processed using MAXQDA computer software. The study results show that sexual abuse of children by women is widespread in Mazowe District. The results also suggest that there is a significant gap between empirical evidence of abuse committed by women and community understanding. Study participants expressed scepticism about the extent of the problem and tended to rate female offenders as less guilty compared to their male counterparts. Sex workers were identified as the main perpetrators of child sexual abuse. The study found that child sexual abuse has health, social, and psychological impacts on the children affected, their families, and the wider community in general. The community fails to take appropriate action due to prevailing social norms and values at the family and community levels, as it strives to promote relationships while silently suppressing children's rights and child protection issues. Study participants viewed abuse committed by women as less serious or harmful, which could lead to inadequate recognition, reporting, and response from social services and the criminal justice system. This is worrying as children who fall victim to female perpetrators may not receive the support and protection they need. A Community Empowerment Model (CEM) was developed. The CEM offers a holistic approach to reducing cases of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse. This study concludes that societal attitudes tend to minimise the culpability of female perpetrators compared to male perpetrators. The persistence of misconceptions and myths in this area can hinder victim identification, discourage reporting, and undermine appropriate interventions. The study recommends the need for improved public education and awareness of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse. In addition, a multi-sectoral approach, the need for key stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and a combination of prevention strategies are recommended as a means to reduce female-perpetrated child sexual abuse.
- Date
- August 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Child sexual abuse, child, community empowerment, female perpetrator, perceptions, Mazowe District
- Supervisor
- Dr. J. Kurebwa
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