Child sex abuse on the rise in Zimbabwe

Myanmar News.Net
Monday 9th November, 2009

The BBC has raised the issue of the growing crime of sex-abuse of children in Zimbabwe.

During the past 10 years, a clinic set up in Harare has gathered statistics which show an alarming rise in the abuse of children.

Over 70,000 cases have been reported at the one clinic alone.

Files detailing countless cases of child molestations are being reviewed and counsellors at the clinic have blamed the absence of parents for the compounding of the problem.

Many parents have left Zimbabwe to go into neighbouring countries, like South Africa, in search of work.

Their children have been left to the care of others.

It is believed, in many cases, the carers are abusing the children.

In other cases, orphans whose parents have died of HIV/Aids, are left in the care of the extended family.

Zimbabwe's economic meltdown and political crisis has forced millions across the border, with many of the children and their carers surviving on money sent back.

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