GSBot

By Brian Hungwe
Harare






Statistics at a clinic giving free treatment for sexually-abused children in Zimbabwe have revealed an alarming level of sexual abuse.The Family Support Trust says nearly 30,000 children have been treated at the Harare clinic after being sexually abused during the past four years.

Doctors say there could be many more who suffer in silence.

Experts say the high rate of abuse is partly due to harsh economic conditions in the country during the past decade.

Millions have gone abroad in search of work, leaving behind their children, who then fall victim to friends and relatives.

The Family Support Trust, set up at the country's major referral hospital in Harare, has recorded about 29,000 cases of sexually-abused children during the past four years, and about 70,000 during the past 10 years, in the capital city alone.

But doctors say this might be just the tip of the iceberg. They believe many parents are not bringing their children forward for fear of stigmatisation.


Others are unaware that support services exist and are free, doctors say.