Sexual cases on the increase

The number of sexual offences has notably increased. These include indecent assault, rape and sodomy. The most heartbreaking factor is that these heinous deeds are mainly perpetrated in minors who can neither consent nor disagree to such violations.

A survey of cases being brought before the courts would reveal that almost half of these cases are offences of a sexual nature. The victims usually fall prey to the people that they trust the most. In the case of children, they are mainly lured by being offered sweets and other petty items.

It is imperative that parents sit down with their children and educate them about taking care of their bodies and teaching them what should not be done to their bodies. Of great concern is the fact that these victims often do not report the violations until they fall sick with sexually transmitted infections or get pyschologically damaged.

There have been reports of sexual violations in the course of robberies. Areas such as Mandara, Arcadia and some spots in Mbare have become the hub of criminal activities such as robberies. Unfortunately after being robbbed some women have been reported to be raped as well. These developments are quite alarming and the public is advised to be alert at all times and to minimize movements at night.

Another disturbing issue is that of prophets and religious leaders who sexually abuse unsuspecting clients who would have come to seek spiritual help. There have been many self proffessed healers who have openly confessed to raping women who would have come to their shrines for help on the local show Tilder live at Chikurubi.

There is indeed great need for workshops to be done around the country in order to educate people about their rights and encourage young victims to report cases of abuse.