Defilement of children in Chongwe and Lusaka: A study of the issues involved in reporting and prosecution of child defeilement cases
Loading...
Date
2015
Authors
Phiri, Emma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Defilement is a social problem which affects all members of society. Statistics indicate that there is an
increase in the number of defilement cases reported but very few defilement cases are prosecuted. While
there are a number of sexual offences against children, defilement is the most prominent. This study
critically examined the problems involved in reporting and prosecution of defilement cases
among boys and girls. The research designs used in this study were both quantitative and
qualitative. Quantitative data was collected through administrative records and unpublished
reports. Qualitative data was collected through Observations, Focus Group Discussions (FDGs)
for parents and/or guardians and In-depth Interviews for the victims and Key Informants. Data
was analysed through tables and graphs for quantitative while qualitative data was thematically
analysed. The findings of this study revealed that sexually abused children encountered
devastating experiences resulting in negative impacts such as teen pregnancy, sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), psychological effects as well as educational effects. Factors that
prevented immediate reporting of defilement/sodomy cases by either the victims or parents
and/or guardians were also explored. The Zambia Police-Victim Support Unit (ZP-VSU) handled
reports of defilement/sodomy cases; and that they faced challenges in handling the cases such as
lack of forensic equipment, inadequate transport, limited office accommodation and few doctors
to examine the victims. The study also found out that not all defilement/sodomy cases reported
were prosecuted because of insufficient evidence, corroboration, lack of fast-track courts and
lack of training in forensic evidence for doctors. The study recommends Ministry of Gender and
Child Development (MGCD) in collaboration with ZP-VSU should extend sensitisation and
awareness programmes throughout the country on the importance of reporting and prosecution of
defilement/sodomy cases. The government of Zambia through the Ministry of Transport, Works,
Supply and Communication should build more police posts especially in rural areas to encourage
more reporting. Ministry of Health should train Medical doctors in forensic evidence to ensure
certain guidelines and formalities are strictly followed. The Ministry of Justice should speed up
the rolling out of fast-track courts throughout the country in order for the cases to be disposed of
quickly
Description
Keywords
Child abuse--Law and legislation--Zambia , Child sexual abuse-Zambia