Identifying the Psycho-Social Support Challenges Faced by Sexually Abused Children Housed at Alpha Cottage in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study identified the psycho-social support challenges faced by sexually abused children at Alpha Cottages Children’s Home in Masvingo Province Zimbabwe. The objectives were to identify the psycho-social support challenges and possible mechanisms to address the challenges. Interview and Focus Group Discussion guides were used to collect data.It can be noted that sexually abused children suffer from stigma and discrimination from other children and caregivers. There is also lack of proper medical and psycho-social care. The following recommendations came out of the research, there is need to equip caregivers with psycho-social support skills. The government needs to second a resident nurse at every children’s home in Zimbabwe. Safe shelters must cater for various forms of vulnerability not to bunch them in one place.