FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Child rights organization, Shamwari YeMwanasikana has sounded the alarm over the growing number of child-on-child sexual abuse cases, warning that the trend is fast becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most pressing issues.
The concern comes at a time when Zimbabwean courts continue to register juvenile-to-juvenile sexual offence cases with worrying frequency, underscoring the need for stronger child protection measures, early intervention and rehabilitation.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Shamwari YeMwanasikana director Ekenia Chifamba (pictured) said the organisation is increasingly concerned by cases in which children are sexually abusing fellow children, adding that the situation demands urgent action from parents, schools, communities and government institutions.
“What is deeply worrying is that this is no longer an isolated problem. It is becoming increasingly common to hear of children abusing other children, and we believe this calls for urgent intervention,” said Chifamba.
She stressed that every child has the right to grow up in an environment free from violence, exploitation and abuse, regardless of whether they are victims or children displaying harmful sexual behaviour.
Chifamba attributed the trend to several contributing factors, including children’s unrestricted exposure to sexually explicit and violent online content, inadequate parental supervision, weak communication within families, substance and drug abuse, peer pressure and limited access to comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education.
She added that many children who have experienced sexual abuse or other forms of trauma but do not receive timely counselling and psychosocial support may later exhibit harmful behaviours towards other children.
“When children experience trauma and are left without the support they need, the consequences can be devastating not only for them but for other children around them. Early intervention is critical,” she said.
Chifamba called on parents and guardians to build trusting relationships with their children, supervise their online activities and have open conversations about consent, respect, personal boundaries and healthy relationships.
She also urged schools to strengthen child protection systems, equip learners with life skills and age-appropriate sexuality education and ensure children know where and how to report abuse safely.
“Our communities must stop treating these cases as private family matters. We need to speak out, report abuse and work together to protect children before more lives are affected,” she said.
Chifamba appealed to government institutions, law enforcement agencies, the Department of Social Welfare and child protection organisations to strengthen prevention programmes while expanding access to child-friendly counselling, rehabilitation and psychosocial services.
She said that while justice must be served, children who commit sexual offences also require rehabilitation to address the underlying causes of their behaviour and reduce the risk of reoffending.
“As Shamwari YeMwanasikana, we remain committed to protecting children through advocacy, school-based programmes, community awareness campaigns and dialogues that promote child safety and prevent gender-based violence, child sexual abuse and all forms of exploitation.”
“Protecting children is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, communities, civil society and government must work together to ensure every child grows up in a safe environment where they are protected, respected and given the opportunity to thrive,” said Chifamba.
Almost every week, Zimbabwean courts handle cases involving one child accused of sexually abusing another. The recurring nature of these cases highlights the need for urgent national conversations and coordinated interventions to protect children, address the underlying causes of such offences and ensure both survivors and affected children receive appropriate support.
