Namibia
Rape "a massive problem for Namibia"

Misanet.com / The Namibian, 22 May - Each year about 600 cases of rape and 150 cases of attempted rape are reported to the Namibian Police, says a new report. As many as 15,000 people a year could however be victims of rape or attempted rape because it is believed that that only about one in every 20 rapes is actually reported to the Police.

- With this possibility then, more than 40 rapes or rape attempts could be occurring each day in Namibia, the report states. The new report on Inequalities and Social Welfare was discussed at the Vision 2030 National Aspirations Conference in Namibia yesterday.

As well as rape, other forms of violence against women and children in Namibia, such as domestic violence and child abuse, occur throughout urban and rural areas, and cut across class, race gender and age.

The report explains that a study of Police records by the Legal Assistance Centre uncovered that more than 20 per cent all violent crime in Namibia occurs in the form of domestic violence. "At least 2,000 cases of domestic violence are reported to the Police annually," the report says, adding that on average about 300 cases of child abuse a year are reported.

According to the report - rape, indecent assault, and general assault make up some two-thirds of all reported child abuse cases, with rape alone accounting for over a half.

The report indicates that several factors could lead to a decrease in the high number of rape, domestic violence and child abuse cases by 2030. Namibian society will grow less tolerant of these crimes and better understand their causes. Better programmes will be in place to help rehabilitate offenders.

- More alcohol and drug abuse prevention programmes, treatment and counselling will be available which would reduce violent crime, the report states, adding that as economic inequalities decline, including a narrowed gap between women and men, social dysfunctions that increase violence will decline.

The report adds that the ratio of reported crimes to unreported crimes will most likely grow smaller as more women and children become aware of their rights and learn that they do not have to tolerate violence.

More cases will also be reported as a greater number of facilities are created that can provide counselling and shelter to the victims of violence.

By Conrad Angula, The Namibian

 

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