Sexual violence is a global crisis impacting health, human rights, and development. It reflects deep-rooted social issues and injustices, transcending borders of geography, race, culture, class, and religion. Communities worldwide are affected, with Zimbabwe being no exception.

In Zimbabwe, both the government and advocacy organizations have made efforts to address sexual violence through legal reforms, prevention initiatives, and support services for survivors. However, the issue remains persistent and concerning.

Data from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) reveals a troubling increase in child abuse cases, with nearly 20,000 incidents reported nationwide over the past year. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) also documented 3,562 cases of sexual violence in the first quarter of this year alone, with a significant number of these incidents involving perpetrators close to the victims.

This situation calls for a comprehensive approach to criminal law reform and public education aimed at reducing sexual violence. However, harsher punishments alone will not suffice. Research into the underlying factors that fuel these harmful behaviors is urgently needed.

Several social and psychological factors contribute to the rise in sexual aggression. Toxic masculinity, for instance, fosters a culture that indirectly promotes sexual violence. Additionally, certain cultural and religious practices continue to perpetuate harmful behaviors, such as incestuous rape, which may be justified by superstitious beliefs or rituals.

Sadly, some fraudulent religious leaders exploit vulnerable followers with false prophecies, encouraging them to engage in incestuous relationships under the pretense of achieving blessings or warding off evil. Such practices often lead to the exploitation of women and girls, whose well-being and safety are sacrificed in the name of misguided beliefs.

Paradoxically, religious factors play a significant role in incestuous rape, whether through beliefs in witchcraft, healing rituals, or the promise of wealth and blessings. The media also contributes to this issue, as the widespread depiction of sexual and violent content in television and films normalizes promiscuity. This content, combined with the influence of social media, promotes themes of sexual liberation and misconduct, further eroding societal standards.

The normalization of promiscuity, substance abuse, and peer pressure in the media, particularly among young people, exacerbates the issue. Additionally, mental health challenges, childhood trauma, absent parents, child-headed households, and a lack of education on consent and healthy relationships all contribute to the prevalence of sexual offenses.

Psychological aspects such as unfulfilled sexual needs, difficulty in emotional regulation, and social and economic factors like poverty and inequality also play a significant role in the crisis.

To effectively combat sexual violence, a holistic prevention strategy is essential, one that considers violence at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Encouraging open conversations, empowering women to speak out, and educating children on personal safety are crucial steps. Teaching children about body safety should be as routine as teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street.

Investing in public education to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and societal norms that excuse or trivialize sexual violence, particularly against women and children, is vital. Such efforts are necessary to create a safer society and curb the alarming rise of sexual-related crimes.