Why Rape Cases Go Unreported in Mangochi

 

Rhita

By Rhita Ngwira

There are several reasons why rape cases go unreported in Mangochi district. One of the reasons is that rape victims experience feelings of guilt and shame since they feel as if they have lost control of their bodies.

Furthermore, sometimes it is the fear of not being believed or a desire to protect the rapist. They may try to protect the rapist because some people are raped by those who knows them, related or they once dated them.

The other reason could be fear of being blamed and the legal process involved. Since some victims are usually accused of having turned the rapist on their way of dressing, talking or even walking style.

It may also happen that the question of whether there was evidence or not might arise, as some victims are thought of fools for having dated someone capable of rape, while others are blamed for going back on their agreements to have sex.

About the lengthy legal process, some victims are unwilling to testify after having gone through such experience. Despite all these concerns, victims should still report to prevent others from failing victims.

Without information, role models and experience, people often become sexually active without a clear understanding of the difference between consensual sex and rape. In this case, victims are encouraged to report such cases.

**Rhita Ngwira is a student from Namwera Community Day Secondary School**