Disclosure of sexual violence against children in Zanzibar: Investigating practices, facilitators and limitations
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Date
2020
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study examined factors that influence disclosure of sexual violence (SV) against Children in Zanzibar. Specially, the study explored the SV practices against practices against the children on one hand and examined strategies to improve the disclosure of SV practices against the children on the other. The study collated primary data from 187 random and purposively selected respondents in North B District (Unguja) by using both qualitative and quantitative methods. In-depth interview, Focus Group Discussion and Questionnaires were used to collect data. The respondents of the study comprised of the community members children and different officers dealing with SV against children Qualitative data were analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) while the quantitative data were analyzed through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The study found that, rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, early marriage and early pregnancy are the common SV practices and incidences in the North B District. Rape identified by 128 (97.7%) respondents, sodomy 126(96%), early pregnancy 84 (64%) and sexual abuse (i.e. touching a child or marking a child to touch the perpetrators in sexual manner) by 127 (97%) respondents. in addition, awareness creation, reporting, mechanism, and the existing legal frameworks were identified as factors that facilitate disclosure of SV against children. However, various loopholes in implementation of legal framework in handling SV cases have been found as lilting factors in disclosing SV. This study concludes that majority of the respondents in the North B district are aware of sexual violence (SV). Despite the awareness, many children are suffering from SV practices, which do not consider some practices (e.g. early marriage) as SV. Ineffective enforcement of mechanisms has affected the efforts of those who have been affected in trying to get their rights before the law. It also discourages those people who are willing to deliver their complaints about SV and those who want to submit their complaints before the court. Therefore, the study recommends that DPP should establish the response system and procedures which are highly effective, including strengthening transparency in handling SV cases. Reporting and confidentiality which will enable the community to disc lode SV cases. Finally, the institutions responsible in handling SV cases should be fair in handling cases especially by avoiding nepotism and corruption.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr.Wilbert Chagula Library, class mark (THS EAF HV 6570.9.Z3 A 232
)
Keywords
Child sexual abuse, Investigation, North B district ( UNGUJA ), Zanzibar
Citation
Abdalla R.B (2020) Disclosure of sexual violence against children in Zanzibar: Investigating practices, facilitators and limitations,Masters dissertation,University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.