DYNAMICS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ZIMBABWE: TOWARDS A SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF PREVENTION

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is a common phenomenon the world over. Due to poverty and other socio-economic challenges bedevilling the country, this social vice is fast escalating in Zimbabwe, taking its toll on defenceless and vulnerable members of society. The advent of HIV and AIDS has left many children without parents, thereby further exposing them to abuse from both strangers and close guardians. Using evidence from literature, this paper seeks to unpack the prevalence of this social vice situating the role of social workers in efforts to curb it. Utilising the socio-ecological framework as an analytic and intervention tool and model, the paper notes that the current approaches employed by social workers are remedial or curative rather than sustainable and proactive. It is from this understanding that a more sustainable approach is advocated.