Management of Child Sexual Abuse Cases by Female School Heads in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study determined the nature, extent and causes of child sexual abuse cases and how Zimbabwean female primary school heads handle such cases in their schools. Seven female primary school heads from the southern province were interviewed. data were analysed using the interpretive/qualitative case study methodology. Findings of the study showed that the following forms of child abuse were prevalent among primary school pupils: sexual abuse of girls; physical assault and punishments; denial of food/feeling hungry/fainting (emotional/psychological abuse); and lack of cash to buy clothes/stationery. School heads have adopted a human relations approach in managing child sexual abuse.