Story by Peter Chivhima
CHILD protection groups are pushing for the establishment of a National Sexual Offender Registry in the wake of reports that more than 3 500 girls and women fell victim to sexual violence in the first quarter of the year.
The shocking statistics were revealed by Childline on the sidelines of an engagement with officials from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in Harare this Wednesday.
“Over the years, we have witnessed a disturbing increase in sexual violence. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, our records show that 3,500 girls and women were sexually violated. This alarming trend suggests that by the end of the year, over 15,000 people may fall victim to sexual offenses. These statistics compel us to advocate for a national sexual offender register to hold perpetrators accountable. We believe that this registry will play a crucial role in protecting the majority of women and girls in our communities from sexual predators,” Childline director Ms Ratidzai Moyo said.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mrs Vimbai Nyemba pledged commitment to protecting women and girls from sexual vultures.
“As government, we are doing a lot in terms of protecting girls and women from sexual vultures. There was the issue of section 70 which deals which such individuals. We have put in place measures meant to protect women. So I think this register is important and it will give specifications to know the offenders especially those who continuously do that,” she said.
Government has made significant strides in addressing gender-based violence, including the enactment of the Sexual Offences Act, National Gender-Based Violence Strategy, and the strengthening of the justice delivery system to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
