sexual child abuse still a major challenge
AS it has several times been reported in the media especially at local
level, it is evident that child sexual abuse is among the challenges that
face children in Tanzania. Bearing in mind that last month, it was World’s
Child Day, Business Times reporter YAKOBE CHIWAMBO, held an interview
with Director
for Children Development in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender
and Children, TUKAE NJIKU, extracts of which are reproduced herein blow…
QUESTION: Would you please tell our readers the intensity of
sexually-abused children in Tanzania?
ANSWER: Let me put it this way… A child is anyone who is under the age of
18 years. According to The Tanzania Violence Against Children Survey conducted
in 2009, 26 per cent females between the ages of 13 and 17 experienced at least
two sexual abuses while only 20.1 per cent of males experienced two
sexual abuses
The survey further revealed that the most common forms of
sexual violence involving children was sexual — 16 per cent for females and
8.7 per cent for males — followed by attempted sexual intercourse: 14.6
per cent females and 6.3 per cent males.
Q: Who are the children that are mainly abused?
A: There are no statistics which show the level of abuse according to
categories of children. Nevertheless, it is reported that
violence and abuse occur in different settings, including homes, schools,
public transport and even on the streets!
Q: Is there any improvement/reduction in the numbersof children that are abused?
A: The survey was conducted not long ago, and the analysis was
recently completed. It is very difficult to say that there is any
improvement. However, in an ideal situation, we are hearing cases of
violence and abuse reported by mass media organs. These are happening in
families, at school and on streets. It is evident that the problem is still
persistent.
However, in order to combat the malady, the Child Act (No.21 of 2009)
should provide guidelines for providing a procedural framework across sectors
in order to clarify roles and responsibilities in preventing violence
against children. The goal of enforcing the law should be
reduction, and eventual elimination, of the scourge in
the country.
Due to the increase of violence against children, the Police has put
in place some
strategies, including providing education in schools, using the
community policing
concept for educating communities on the types of violence — and love for
children.
Q: Can you tell our readers the number of cases that have been taken to courts?
A: Information from the Police and the ministry of Home Affairs shows that
between 2008 and December 2010, a good number of cases were brought to
court. Some of them were finalized, while others are either pending in
the courts, or are still under
investigation.
A total of 9,669 such cases were sent to court during the period
mentioned, in which 428
people were convicted, 411 suspects were cleared, and 664 are still under
investigations. 774 cases were closed. Also, 66 offenses disclosed, 246
case were referred for further action.
Q: According to your experience, why is it that other cases are not taken
to court?
A: There are many reasons indeed… First, sexual and physical abuse is done
secretly and some of the victims do not want to be embarrassed and
ashamed within the
society. It is seen as more of a family or community issue rather than
one for the courts.
Also, there is fear of abandonment, separation that may follow if the
victim reveals, therefore they decide to remain quiet. This is according
the victims themselves!
In addition, some victims do not view sexual abuse as a problem and, instead,
take it as a personal business to be resolved by themselves.
Q: What are the main reasons for adults abusing children sexually?
A: It is evident from the survey that adults lead in abusing
children sexually. The reasons are many. For instance, a majority of both
females and males endorse violence against women under certain
circumstances. These patterns reflect cultural norms that influence
relationships between males and females, as well as the vulnerability
of female children to violence. Also the mistaken belief that
children are generally
HIV/Aids-free!
Q: What is your ministry doing specifically to protect children that are
sexually abused?
A: The Government, working in collaboration with stakeholders who are
working for
and with children, has developed a National Plan of Action for Combating
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.
The plan, when finalized, will be shared amongst various stakeholders
for validation.
Also, the Government has enacted the Child Act-2009 which, among other things,
provides child protection, including protection from sexual abuse.
Nevertheless, the
Government is largely responsible for ensuring a conducive environment in
developing policies, strategies and guidelines for child protection and
welfare. Implementation of these lies upon stakeholders, including
families and communities, to ensure that children are protected.
Q: Any other information you consider important as far child sexual abuse
is concerned?
A: Children who are abused sexually are likely to be exposed to sexual
exploitation, since some of them end up engaging in transactional sex when
as adults. It is also dangerous, since adults sexually abuse children
— and other adults as well —
without using protective condoms — hence increasing the risk of
getting HIV/Aids and other sexually-transmitted diseases in the
process!