Story by Tarirai Madhuyu
The Adult Rape Clinic (ARC) is recording an average of 200 sexual assault cases every month, amid fears that several other cases go unreported.
According to records obtained from the Adult Rape Clinic (ARC) this Wednesday, 200 sexual assault survivors approach the institution every month, amid fears statistics might be higher as some cases go unreported.
An ARC Sexual Assault awareness programme held in Harare this Wednesday was an opportunity for victims to open up.
“I would want to encourage men to report any case of indecent assault or aggravation although it’s difficult. This will benefit them in various ways and can also help them to avoid suicidal thoughts,” said one of the participants at the sexual assault awareness programme.
“For men, it’s very difficult for us to report such issues although results may be harmful due to failure to obtain counselling and treatment in time,” added another.
“We are having a challenge with men in dealing with these cases. Men don’t want to come out because they think that it’s a failure to report yet they equally need such support. As a psychologist, I can safely say that in most cases, men end up committing suicide hence the call.”
Of the total number of sexual assault cases being reported at the ARC, only one percent are male, hence growing fears that men are suffering in silence.
“We are very worried with the statistics, men are failing to come forward. This normally results in them being affected by STIs and other sexual diseases such as HIV. Therefore we are raising awareness concerning the matter. We would want as many male counterparts as possible to come out,” said ARC director, Ms Maceline Mukwamba.
“As the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise, we are concerned with these unreported cases of indecent assault because it affects every family member, especially women and children. Men should also be there to support women in communities, especially in case of such eventualities. We are partnering with non-governmental organizations to curb that habit because men themselves are not able to come out because of stigma,” said Harare Provincial Development Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise, Mr Ernest Chimboza.
With a record 70% of the victims being children and adolescents and 30% being adults and elderly women, ARC in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care has established clinical and counselling centres in most provincial hospitals across the country.