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Author
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Manguwo, Rutendo
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Title
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Psycho-social effects of sexual abuse on the total development of girl child in Zimbabwe. A case of Bindura Ward 10.
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Abstract
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This study investigated the psychosocial effects of child sexual abuse on the total development of a girl child, aiming to propose preventive and protective measures to address the issue in Bindura, Zimbabwe which falls under Mashonaland Province with high rates of early child marriage and sexual abuse. Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) has severe, long-lasting effects on the young female victims, leading to significant distress and disruption in their lives. The research was guided by Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as methods of data collection with eleven participants, including four teachers and one headmaster from Ran Mine Primary School, two Bindura Victim Friendly Unity Police, two counselors from Bindura Provincial One Stop Center, Bindura Provincial Hospital Victim Friendly Unit Nurse and a Child Protection Officer from Bindura Department of Social Development. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. An inductive approach was employed to analyse the interview and focus group responses, allowing themes and patterns to emerge. Key factors contributing to child sexual abuse among young girls included farming and mining activities which are environmental factors, long distances to school, cultural and religious practices, poverty, lack of parental capacity and high school dropout which exacerbated the problem of (CSA) among the girl children. Key informant who participated in this study pointed out that children who had been sexually abused had psychosocial effects like physical and health, personality and behavioral, social and moral, and emotional problems. Findings indicated that (CSA) affect the total development of a girl child which involves their physical, emotional, cognitive, mental and social behavior. The study highlighted existing intervention in children who had been sexually abused. The study recommended that the government implement strict laws against offenders of (CSA) and ensure stiff enforcement of existing laws and policies relating to (CSA) and early marriage .It emphasized the need for stakeholders, including the government ,to tackle the root causes of sexual abuse such as poverty, culture and religious influences, neglect, traditional myths, long distances, farming environment, mining area, and divorce. Furthermore, it suggested toll-free hotlines for organizations that deal with all forms of sexual abuse among young girls. More so, collaboration role on stakeholders raising awareness through campaigns to educate various stakeholders, communities and young girls on the dangers and knowledge of sexual abuse. Additionally, the introduction of school social workers who are child protection officers and medical social workers in hospitals as an early intervention strategy to reduce further harm on the young girl’s development to ensure prompt action within the crucial 72-hour window to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy and saves to protect the evidence.
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Date
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June 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Girl Child
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Sexual Abuse
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Psychosocial Effects
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Supervisor
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Mr. Magocha
Manguwo, Rutendo.pdf