There is growing concern about the problem of commercial sexual exploitation of children in Zimbabwe and the world over. For the most part sexual exploitation of children is happening with or without the knowledge of the victims. Exploitation takes various shapes and forms including intergenerational relationships, transactional sex right up to fully blown child prostitution.
Sadly, the commercial sexual exploitation of children is and always has been of low priority. Additionally, there is no sense of urgency nor a national blueprint and plan of action exists to this effect, and with the economic downturn that plagues Zimbabwe and other African countries, the number of children selling sex, in all its forms, continues to spike.The handling of child prostitution cases is poorly handled in legislation and through inadequate policies as there are a number of inequalities that exist in how the system deals with child victims and the offender. A lack of consistency and comprehensive policy/strategy with regard to the protection of the child’s rights is of major concern.
The research component for this key population is also very limited. Information regarding the victim’s history of abuse and neglect, socio-economic background, family background and mental health does not exist. Moreover, limited data exist on how community factors and norms affect prostitution, including demand issues, the presence of the, tourism, the presence of casinos and clubs, public awareness, and police perception perpetuate the existence of this key population.
The lack of training for child protection professionals involved with issues regarding the commercial sexual exploitation of children has been cited as a stumbling block that thwarts effective interventions and services. It is the mandate of child protection practitioners to protect children from finding themselves in the commercial sex trade and proffering remedial action for children already caught up in it. Some protective methods that are recommended include stiffer penalties for offenders. Offenders must be held accountable for their actions. The term “offender” includes all involved in the chain of commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth—those who recruit and sell (pimps), traffic, and abuse.
There is a need for a systematic effort to be made to collect and analyse information about all aspects of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, especially about factors that motivate and perpetuate commercial child sex work. It would especially be prudent to dig into information relating to the mental health of children selling sex so as to better offer appropriate services to them. Similarly, Professionals need to make a concerted effort, through information sharing and communication, to identify children who are at risk and to apply more effective prevention strategies and support.
Remedial action in the case of children selling sex starts off by Prostituted children should be treated as victims, not offenders, using the same victim-sensitive interview techniques as those used in child abuse cases. Prostituted children should be treated with respect and concern and should be encouraged to talk about their experiences. A holistic approach should be used when working with these children.
All stakeholders must be involved in developing, implementing, and/or overseeing strategies to prevent and address prostituted children and youth. The commercial sexual exploitation of children cannot be solved by any one agency, system, or jurisdiction; all stakeholders must play a part (e.g., child welfare, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, juvenile justice system representatives, child protection services, non-profit organizations, service providers, child and youth advocates, housing, schools, survivors, legislators, faith and business communities, labor, and health.Here at the Africa Healing Foundation we are committed to working in partnership with communities and stakeholders to combat the problem that is stripping away our children of the right to good health, potential and human life. This is a global problem and we are joining the United Nation to create change by working towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
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