Barriers to and Consequences of Reporting Rape in a Rural Community of Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to and consequences of reporting rape in Hurungwe District, a rural community located in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The researchers used the qualitative research paradigm to enhance participants being studied to give richer answers. The target population was the rural community with men, women and children being included in the study. A sample of 17 participants was selected using the convenience sampling technique. Findings identified the following as some of the reasons for under reporting of rape cases; improper definition of rape, fear of victimisation, poor action by law enforcement agents because they are not well capacited, protecting the perpetrator and long distance to the reporting centres. The researchers recommended extensive awareness campaigns through a multi-sectoral approach, protecting survivors, capacitation of law enforcement agents, establishment of community child friendly centres and heavily punishing those who protect perpetrators of sexual violence. Keywords: Rape, Survivor, Perpetrator, Barrier, Consequence, Rural Community