Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T12:28:24.744Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Zimbabwe’s poverty and child sexual abuse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 August 2020

Noel Garikai Muridzo Open the ORCID record for Noel Garikai Muridzo [Opens in a new window]  and
Victor Chikadzi
Noel Garikai Muridzo*
Affiliation:
School of Social Work, Midlands State University, Harare, Zimbabwe
Victor Chikadzi
Affiliation:
Department of Social Work, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
*
Author for correspondence: Noel Garikai Muridzo, Email: [email protected]
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious scourge that affects all countries globally. While there are myriad factors contributing the prevalence of CSA in Zimbabwe, poverty is arguably one of the major underlying issues and root causes of most of these factors. Over the past two decades, Zimbabwe has gone through an unprecedented economic meltdown; fewer resources are being channelled towards child protection leading to the decline in standards of living for children. Consequently, children are left vulnerable to poverty which exposes them to the risk of CSA. This paper discusses a number of poverty-related factors that are contributing to CSA in Zimbabwe. A qualitative study approach was adopted, and data were collected from 38 participants and four key informants who were selected using theoretical and purposive sampling, respectively. In addition, 300 court files of CSA cases were also reviewed. Notwithstanding other circumstances leading to CSA, findings showed that poverty-related vulnerabilities, such as adverse living conditions, rurality, child labour and migration, exposed children to CSA. The paper ends by discussing the policy and social work practice implications and recommendations in view of the findings.

Keywords

Child sexual abusesocial workpovertyZimbabwe
Type
Articles
Information
Children Australia , Volume 45 , Special Issue 4: Special Issue: Poverty and Child Abuse , December 2020 , pp. 222 - 228
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

This article is based on a PhD study submitted to the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, South Africa.

References

Addae-Korankye, A. (2014). Causes of poverty in Africa: A review of literature. American International Journal of Social Science, 3(7), 143–153.Google Scholar
African Union. (1999). African charter on the rights and welfare of the child. http://www.achpr.org/files/instruments/child/achpr_instr_charterchild_eng.pdf Google Scholar
Assabu, G., Tefera, M., Abebe, A., & Busse, H. (2019). The magnitude of sexual abuse and its physical effects among female children seen at Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. https://ejhd.org/index.php/ejhd/article/download/2369/1312/ Google Scholar
Average, C. (2019). Low income housing problems and low-income housing solutions: Opportunities and challenges in Bulawayo. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 34(3), 927–938. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10901-019-09676-w.pdf CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Babbie, E., & Mouton, J. (2004). The practice of social research (South African ed.). Oxford Press.Google Scholar
Bailey, C., Powella, M., & Brubacher, S. (2017). Reporting rates of child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities in two Australian jurisdictions. Child Abuse & Neglect, 68, 74–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.03.019 CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bhaiseni, B. (2016). Zimbabwe Children’s Act Alignment with international and domestic legal instruments: Unravelling the gaps. African Journal of Social Work, 6(1), 3–6.Google Scholar
Birdhstle, I. S, Floyd, S., Mwanasa, S., Nyangadza, A., Gwiza, E., & Glynn, T. R. (2011). Child sexual abuse and links to HIV and orphanhood in urban Zimbabwe. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 65(12), 1075–1082.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Burke, J., & Chingono, N. (2019, July 21). Millions face hardships as Zimbabwe comes close to meltdown. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/21/millions-face-hardship-as-zimbabwe-comes-close-to-meltdown Google Scholar
Cain, G. (2015). Bad governance in Zimbabwe and its negative consequences. The Downtown Review, 2(1), 01–07.Google Scholar
Chamisa, M. G., Makururu, S., Nyoni, T., Hamadziripi, O. S., & Mutongi, C. (2019). Religious affiliation – child marriages nexus in Zimbabwe: A case of Marange. Journal of Economics and Finance (DRJ-JEF), 4(2), 38–44. www.dynamicresearchjournals.or Google Scholar
Chandran, S., Bhargava, S., & Kishor, M. (2018). Under reporting of child sexual abuse—the barriers guarding the silence. Telangana Journal of Psychiatry, 4(2), 57–60.Google Scholar
Chikoko, W., Muzvidziwa, V. N., Ruparanganda, W., & Chikoko, E. (2019). Early sexual debut and substance abuse among street children of Harare central business district, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 9(1), 79–87.Google Scholar
Chikova, H. (2013). Social Protection in Zimbabwe- Country Paper [Paper presentation]. International Conference SASPEN – FES ‘Social Protection for Those Working In-formally. Social & Income (In) Security in the Informal Economy’, 16–17 September 2013, Birchwood Hotel Johannesburg.Google Scholar
Chitereka, C. (2010). Child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe. Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 20(1), 29–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/21650993.2010.9756073 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chitiyo, J., & Chitiyo, M. (2016). Psychosocial support for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. Childhood Education, 92(6), 465–469. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2016.1251795 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Creswell, J. (2014). Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. Pearson.Google Scholar
Gaidzano, R. B. (2019). Urban poverty in Zimbabwe: Historical and contemporary issues. In Mpofu, B. & Ndlovu-Gatsheni, S. (Eds.), Rethinking and unthinking development: Perspectives on inequality and poverty in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Berghahn Books.Google Scholar
Government of Zimbabwe. (2001a). Children’s Act [Chapter 5:06]. http://www.veritaszim.net/node/145 Google Scholar
Government of Zimbabwe. (2001b). Guardianship of Minors Act [Chapter 5:08]. Government Printers.Google Scholar
Government of Zimbabwe. (2001c). Maintenance Act [Chapter 5:09]. http://www.veritaszim.net/node/148 Google Scholar
Government of Zimbabwe. (2013). Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013. Government Printers.Google Scholar
Government of Zimbabwe. (2016). Labour Act [28:01]. http://www.veritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/Labour%20Act%20updated%20to%202019.pdf Google Scholar
Gwirayi, P. (2013). Fighting child sexual abuse: Perspectives of pupils from a developing country. https://doi-org.ez.library.latrobe.edu.au/10.1177%2F2158244012472687 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jones, O. (2019). The state of wash financing in Eastern and Southern Africa Zimbabwe Country Level Assessment. https://www.unicef.org/esa/sites/unicef.org.esa/files/2019-10/UNICEF-Zimbabwe-2019-WASH-Financing-Assessment.pdf Google Scholar
Kanyenze, G., Kondo, T., Chitambira, P., & Martens, J. (2011). Beyond the enclave: Towards a pro-poor and inclusive development strategy for Zimbabwe. Weaver Press.Google Scholar
Kaseke, E. (2009). Social protection for poverty reduction in Southern Africa. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 20(2), 37–50.Google Scholar
Kaseke, E. (2015). National social protection floors and income security for older persons: Prospects for Zimbabwe. Social Development Issues, 37(1), 25–37.Google Scholar
Kurevakwesu, W., & Chizasa, S. (2020). Ubuntu and child welfare policy in Zimbabwe: A critical analysis of the national orphan care policy’s six-tier system. African Journal of Social Work, 10(1), 89–94.Google Scholar
Mangena, F. (2019). Discussing inclusive development and governance in Zimbabwe Pragmatizing hunhu/ubuntu philosophy. Filosofica Theoratica: Journal of African Philosophy, Culture and Religions, 8(1), 39–54.Google Scholar
Mantula, F., & Saloojee, H. (2016). Child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 25(8), 866–880.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Masuka, T., Banda, R. G., Mabvurira, V., & Frank, R. (2012). Preserving the future: Social protection programmes for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2(12), 59–66.Google Scholar
Ministry of Labour and Social Services. (2011). National action plan for orphans and vulnerable children 2011–2015. Government of Zimbabwe Ministry of Labour and Social Services. https://www.unicef.org/zimbabwe/ZIM_resources_Natactionovc.pdf Google Scholar
Moyo, L. (2018). Corruption in Zimbabwe: Implications for social work practice. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 3, 55–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-018-0052-9 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Moyo, W. (2014). Urban housing policy and its implications on the low-income earners of a Harare Municipality, Zimbabwe. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 4(3), 356–365. http://www.aessweb.com/journals/5007 Google Scholar
Mtetwa, E., & Muridzo, N. G. (2013). An analysis of the 2013 National Budget Statement and its implications for social work practice in Zimbabwe. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 13(5). https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d6a6/de83854c25c615eb6a0cb306a57b343fce99.pdf Google Scholar
Muchacha, M., & Mtetwa, E. (2015). Dynamics of child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe: Towards a socio-ecological framework of prevention. The Social Work Practitioner-Researcher, 27(1), 118–136. https://doi.org/10.25159/2415-5829/780 Google Scholar
Muchacha, M., Dziro, C., & Mtetwa, E. (2016). The implications of neoliberalism for the care of orphans in Zimbabwe: Challenges and opportunities for social work practice. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 28(2), 84–93.Google Scholar
Muchinako, G. A., Chikwaiwa, B. K., & Nyanguru, A. C. (2013). Children living and or working on the streets in Harare: Issues and challenges. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 28(2), 93–112.Google Scholar
Mupedziswa, R. (2018). Social protection initiatives for Zimbabwe’s vulnerable groups: Lessons from sub Saharan Africa region. Journal of Social Development, 33(1), 23–51.Google Scholar
Muridzo, N. G. (2018). An exploration of the phenomenon of child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe [PhD dissertation]. University of the Witwatersrand.Google Scholar
Muridzo, N. G., Chikadzi, V., Mafa, I., & Chinyenze, P. (2018). Parental circumstances leading to child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 33(2), 135–168.Google Scholar
Musiwa, A. S. (2019). Addressing interfamilial child sexual abuse: Lessons from the Victim-Friendly Court in Marondera District, Zimbabwe. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-019-00629-4 Google Scholar
Muzaale, P. J. (1986). Rural poverty, social development and their implications for fieldwork practice. In Hampson, J. & Willmore, B. (Eds.), Social development and rural development: Proceedings of a workshop held 10–14 June 1986, JSDA.Google Scholar
Muzurura, J. (2017). Corruption and economic growth in Zimbabwe: Unravelling the linkages. International Journal of Development Research, 7(1), 11197–11204.Google Scholar
Nyandoro, M., & Hatii, N. (2019). Poverty and politics of poverty in independent Zimbabwe 1980–2017. Social Science Spectrum, 4(2), 56–74.Google Scholar
Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation. Sage Publications.Google Scholar
Pufall, E. L., Eaton, J. W., Robertson, L., Mushati, P., Nyamukapa, C., & Gregson, S. (2017). Education, substance use, and HIV risk among orphaned adolescents in Eastern Zimbabwe. Vulnerable Child Youth Studies, 12(4), 360–374.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rubin, A., & Babbie, E. (2011). Research methods for social work (7th ed.). Thomson/Brooks/Cole.Google Scholar
Schurink, W., Fouche, C. B., & de Vos, A. S. (2011). Qualitative data analysis and interpretation. In De Vos, A. S., Strydom, H., Fouche, C. B., & Delport, C. S. I. (Eds.), Research at grassroots: For the social sciences and human services professions (4th ed.). VanSchaik Publishers.Google Scholar
Sewpaul, V. (2014). Social work and poverty reduction in Africa: The indelible reality. In Sptzer, H., Twikirize, J. M., & Wairire, G. G. (Eds.), Professional social work in eastern Africa: Towards social development, poverty reduction and gender equality. Fountain Publishers.Google Scholar
SOS International. (2014). Assessment report of the Alternative Care System for children in Zimbabwe. https://bettercarenetwork.org/library/social-welfare-systems/child-care-and-protection-policies/assessment-report-of-the-alternative-care-system-for-children-in-zimbabwe Google Scholar
The Independent. (2014). Rural poverty on the rise in Zim. https://www.theindependent.co.zw/2014/09/12/rural-poverty-rise-zim/ Google Scholar
Thuong, N. H., Ha, N. T., Tu, P. V., & Huong, N. T. (2019). Factors associated with child sexual abuse in Vietnam: A qualitative study. American Journal of Educational Research, 7(8), 537–541. http://article.scieducationalresearch.com/pdf/education-7-8-2.pdf Google Scholar
Todaro, M. P., & Smith, S. C. (2011). Economic development. Pearson.Google Scholar
United Nations. (1989). Convention on the rights of the child. UN Publications.Google Scholar
Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency and International Organisation for Migration. (2010). Migration in Zimbabwe: A country profile 2009. Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency and International Organisation for Migration.Google Scholar