Sex-assaults: Young on younger

2003-04-28 20:46

Elsabe Brits

Cape Town - The ages of sex-offence victims and of those who commit the crimes have dropped significantly in the past 10 years, and the number of gang rapes has increased.

Joan van Niekerk of Child Line says there is great concern that the number of children under seven who are raped is on the increase.

She was voicing her feelings in a report in the Institute for Security Studies' SA Crime Quarterly.

She says the perpetrators were under 18 in nearly 43% of rape cases reported to Child Line in 2000.

In the past nine years, complaints dealing with children who were sexually abused rose by 400%. The number of gang rapes also had increased.

Van Niekerk said: "Many of the children who visit Child Line's counselling centre have been seriously assaulted and intimidated by the person who sexually abused them. There is an increase in the use of brute force."

Many factors that abet the crimes

Several factors in the legal system as well as socio-economic problems contribute to a conviction rate of only 5% in sexual-assault cases:

Many poor families accept payment from perpetrators as an alternative "solution" after a child has been sexually abused. A poor child is often bribed to keep quiet.

A family member or friend prevents the child from going to the police or intimidates the child, especially in rural areas.

Children who do not live with their parents, but with other caregivers are more vulnerable and are sometimes sexually abused in exchange for basic care.

Many children support their families through sex work.

Many mothers cannot protect their children from sexual assault by a stepfather or friend.

Courts do not protect children enough by refusing bail; children have to testify in front of alleged perpetrators; cases are withdrawn because of poor communication and victims do not have access to medical and counselling services.

- Die Burger