Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ziguinchor (Agenzia Fides) – According to a group of researchers in Casamance, a southern region of Senegal, the safety of children depends on whether the family has the courage to speak out about sexual abuse. A study undertaken by UNICEF and Ziguinchor University, revealed widespread domestic abuse of girls aged 10 to 13 years in Kolda, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor, in a situation of social and cultural pressure, silence and impunity. Alarmed by reports of numerous cases of early pregnancies and violence inside and outside schools UNICEF, in 2008 and 2009, undertook a study to have a more complete picture of the nature, extent and causes of the phenomenon. “Taboo in the family and in society surrounding sexual abuse must be overcome,” the report affirms. In Senegalese culture family honour is an important factor. The principal concern is for adults not to lose face; there is little concern for the serious consequences which the child victims will carry with them all through life. In some cases there are timid attempts to solve the matter but only within the four walls of the home.
Families refuse to admit that 'agreements' are made with the perpetrating members of the family and this makes debate on the matter in the community difficult. In many cases the aggressor is a member of the same family. Girls are expected to marry, families do not want them to be left alone and marginalised. This negative cultural violence on girls is not only about sexual abuse, it includes forced marriage of very young girls, early pregnancies and genital mutilation. These are rites and customs which belong to the local traditional religious beliefs and they are not easily eradicated. The report concludes that to fight any sort of violence on children health institutions, schools and social services must work together. UNICEF and Zinguinchor University call for proper information for adults and children about sexual abuse and about the rights of children; legal assistance for the victims; improved social services to assist girls traumatised by violence. (AP) (15/6/2010 Agenzia Fides)
