Browsing by Author "Ahmed, Asha Mohammed"

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    A critical analysis of effectiveness of the law to curb sexual violence against children : A case study of Zanzibar (Unguja)
    (Mzumbe University, 2016) Ahmed, Asha Mohammed
    This study is about the effectiveness of the law to curb sexual violence against children (SVAC) in Zanzibar. Studies have shown that, sexual violence against children incidence is increasing. The research was aimed at finding the available shortcomings or gaps in the laws and poor enforcement of the laws. Other factors that contributes to the predominance of SVAC in Zanzibar that prevent the effectiveness of laws in combating it. The researcher examined the national and international legislation pertaining SVAC for the aim of assessing its effectiveness in curbing sexual violence against children in Zanzibar. This study is a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods which was meant at enabling collection of detailed information about the problem. The researcher used interview guides and questionnaires as tools of collecting detailed information from the respondents. The method of sampling used in this study is non-probability. The study findings reveal various gaps for handling sexual violence against children in the country. Consequently, Zanzibar’s legislation does not define sexual violence. On the contrary, those provisions formulated do not distinctly address SVAC and the marital rape is legalized in Zanzibar laws. There exists a practice of rapist marrying the victim as the means to avoid the rape charge. The law is silent on this practice which leads the trauma to the victim. Also the study reveals that there is a practice of unofficial compensation arrangements between the victim or victim’s family and the assailant intended to replace criminal justices system.. Therefore the researcher recommends that the laws should be reviewed and amended to address lacunae as revealed by the study. Above all, it should allow the private criminal investigation so that the cases and evidence of the cases will not be hampered. There is also a need to develop a respective national policy guideline for the child victim of sexual violence for medical