Defilement requires critical study—Yoneco
Youth Network and Counselling Organisation (Yoneco) has called for a critical study into a sharp increase in defilement cases that endanger girls’ health and rights in Mzimba.
The child rights organisation is worried that defilement cases keep rising in the district despite numerous interventions by government and non-State actors.
In an interview, Yoneco executive director McBain Mkandawire said the country requires a comprehensive research to understand factors that push adult men to force themselves on minors.
“Law enforcement authorities blame superstitious beliefs that defiling a minor brings luck or wealth for the rise of rape and defilement cases while psychologists say mental health is more to blame.
“These issues therefore call for a critical study from relevant stakeholders to analyse the matter and establish possible solutions to reduce the cases,” he said.
Mzimba Police Station spokesperson Peter Botha attributed the perceived increase in cases to rising awareness campaigns said to have motivated many to report sexual abuse.
“Last year 19 defilement cases were reported and by the end of September this year, we have recorded 22 cases. This shows that people are now able to safeguard their girls’ rights by reporting defilement incidents,” he said.
Through its child help line initiative, Yoneco has resolved 600 cases this year— up from 400 cases the same period last year.
