Zimbabwe Republic Police, Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) has revealed, following an investigation, that fast foods, coupled with plush hotel bookings, are some of the things used to trap unsuspecting minors into premature sexual encounters with older partners.
During her presentation at the Not In My Village campaign, recently held in Mutare, VFU Assistant District Coordinator Sergeant Precious Chiware said,
“In interviews we conduct with survivors of child sexual abuse, we have found that most children are lured through offers of hotel meals or small treats, such as two pieces of fried chicken. This is a disturbing trend, and as a result, families should regularly spend quality time with their children, helping them develop the skills and confidence to recognize and resist such temptations.”
As a result, families are being urged to frequently take their children on outings, so that they become accustomed to such experiences and are less likely to fall prey to manipulative situations.
The NotInMyVillage campaign aims to reduce child marriages significantly and all forms of child sexual abuse nationwide. The programme specifically targets community and traditional leaders, as well as male adults.
Nissie Kasambira, a 23-year-old lady from Chitungwiza Unit H, supports this by saying, “It is true that parents should spend quality time with their children, especially girls, to build trust. When older partners try to manipulate them with gifts, they refuse.”
“This is similar to the issue of cars. If your parents have one, you’re less likely to be taken advantage of compared to those who don’t.”
National Aids Council provincial manager Mr Artwell Shiridzinomwa added that, “It is a deliberate strategy to target community and traditional leaders, as their words carry significant influence and are often followed in their communities. We are also intentionally targeting males, as they are often fathers, brothers, and decision-makers, yet simultaneously can be perpetrators of these abuses.”
