CHIEF magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe has lamented the sharp increase in sexual abuse cases around the country, saying 60% of the cases were perpetrated by the victims’ close relatives.
Guvamombe made the remarks in Harare yesterday while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting on violence against children.
“The worrisome thing is that according to our statistics, 60% of these cases are being perpetrated by people known to the survivors. Most of these incidents are happening in our homes which have always been perceived to be safe havens for our children,” he said. Speaking at the same event, Childline Zimbabwe director, Stella Motsi urged parents and care givers to spend more time with their children to minimise cases of abuse.
“In this age of technology, parents need not be replaced by gadgets. Parents need to pay close attention, listen actively and believe their children, because abuse may be hidden behind a familiar face,” she said. — Staff Reporter
