Exploring the culture of silence on child sexual abuse within the family in Zimbabwe: A review of the literature

Abstract

Child sexual abuse within the family, a violation of child rights is one of the most widespread forms of abuse worldwide. Yet, despite its pervasiveness, there is limited research on the phenomena. This paper explored child sexual abuse within the family in Zimbabwe -also known as intrafamilial child sexual abuse. More particularly, it discussed the risk factors, dynamics and the culture of silence surrounding the phenomena and some of the reasons for the silence. There is very little research on child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe, in particular, the dynamics of intrafamial child sexual abuse and the factors that create a culture of silence. The objectives of this literature review were to contribute in filling this knowledge gap by exploring the dynamics and culture of silence with regards to the issue and to inform program and policy interventions. Researchers agree that even though intrafamilial child sexual abuse is the most pervasive form of child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe, it is also the most un/under reported and under researched type of child sexual abuse. This is a literature review that builds on the body of literature concerning intrafamilial child sexual abuse in Africa and specifically Zimbabwe. Using Ubuntu as a framework, the authors attempt to question why children are abused at such an alarming rate in an environment that upholds the principles of Ubuntu. It is recommended that social workers and educators should build children’s knowledge on how and where to seek help and protection and also provide safe reporting mechanisms where children can report without the interference of family members.