BREAKING THE SILENCE: A DICHOTOMY PREVALENCE AND PROTECTION CHALLENGES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ZAMBIA

Autor

  • Marien Matafwali Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology, University of Zambia, Lecturer/Researcher, School of Social Sciences, Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies University, Zambia
  • Douglas, W. Rolls BA (Econ), University of Zambia, LLB, MBF, LLM, LLD Cand, HOD Department of Law, School of Law, Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies University, Zambia
  • Nyawa Msidi LLB-University of Zambia, LLM, AHCZ, Lecturer/Researcher, School of Law, Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies University, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejsss.v10i3.1819

Słowa kluczowe:

prevalence, challenges, child sexual abuse

Abstrakt

This analysis, titled "Breaking the Silence: A Dichotomy of Child Sexual Abuse Prevalence and Protection Challenges in Zambia," examines the trends and challenges associated with child sexual abuse in Zambia from 2017 to 2023. The study aims to explore the prevalence of child sexual abuse over the specified period and evaluate the effectiveness of Zambia's legal framework in protecting children from such abuse. Utilising a qualitative research design, the methodology involved document analysis of Zambia Police Victim Support Unit reports and an assessment of the legal framework. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS to identify trends and differences across pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic periods, while qualitative content analysis was used to examine the legal context. The findings reveal fluctuating abuse rates, with notable increases in 2019 and persistently high levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender disparities were observed, with girls disproportionately affected. The study highlights significant gaps in the legal framework, including inadequate protection for older adolescents and limited statutory definitions of abuse. Challenges such as cultural taboos, socio-economic issues, and legal inefficiencies continue to hinder effective child protection. The analysis stresses the need for enhanced reporting mechanisms and legal reforms to safeguard children better and address the complexities of child sexual abuse in Zambia.

 

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Biogramy autorów

  • Marien Matafwali - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology, University of Zambia, Lecturer/Researcher, School of Social Sciences, Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies University, Zambia

    Dr. Marien Matafwali is an Educational Psychologist currently working as a lecturer and researcher at Zambia Center for Accountancy Studies University within the School of Social Sciences. She has authored numerous articles in local and international journals on child development, child abuse, child protection, Counseling, and education. Other areas of expertise include working with abused and street children, child protection, counseling, and HIV/AIDS issues. Her research interests span a broad range of vital social issues, including child development, Early childhood education, gender-based violence, child protection, guidance and counseling, motivation, and employee performance. Email: marienmatafwali@yahoo.com or marien.matafwali@zcasu.edu.zm

  • Douglas, W. Rolls - BA (Econ), University of Zambia, LLB, MBF, LLM, LLD Cand, HOD Department of Law, School of Law, Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies University, Zambia

    Douglas Walter Rolls II is an academic and legal expert with a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and legal practice. As Head of Department and Lecturer of Law at the School of Law at ZCAS University in Lusaka, Zambia, he has made significant contributions to the field through his scholarly work and teaching. With over 18 years of experience in banking, he brings a wealth of practical insights with him to his academic pursuits. His research interests are diverse and encompass a wide range of legal disciplines, including banking and regulation, securities markets, corporate law, education and learner development, jurisprudence, trust law, employment law, probate law, family law, company law, insolvency, and public international law. His interest in comparative law further enriches his scholarly contributions. In terms of qualifications, he holds advanced degrees from various tertiary institutions, including a degree in Economics and a degree in Law from the University of Zambia, a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the FinAfrica Institute in Milan, Italy, and a Master's degree in Commercial Law from the University of Lusaka (Unilus). Currently, he is pursuing his Doctor of Laws (LLD) at the University of Pretoria (UP) School of Mercantile Law.

    Email: douglas_rolls@yahoo.ca or douglas.rolls@zcasu.edu.zm.

  • Nyawa Msidi - LLB-University of Zambia, LLM, AHCZ, Lecturer/Researcher, School of Law, Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies University, Zambia

    Nyawa Msidi is a seasoned legal scholar and advocate with a distinguished career spanning over nine years. As a lecturer and researcher at ZCAS University in Lusaka, Zambia, she has made significant contributions to the fields of consumer protection, trade law, and human rights, with a particular focus on the rights of children. Her expertise is grounded in her academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Zambia and a Master of Laws in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Lusaka. Her practical experience as an Advocate of the High Court of Zambia further enhances her understanding of the legal landscape and its implications for society.

    Email: nyawanyirongo@gamil.com or nyawa.nyirongo@zcasu.edu.zm

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Pobrania

Opublikowane

2024-09-20

Numer

Tom 10 Nr 3 (2024)

Dział

Articles