Sexual Dilemma: Perceptions and Attitudes of Sexually Violated Women in Gweru Urban, Zimbabwe

Every human being (women included) has a right to safe and satisfying sex and to consent to sex. However, there are some men in society who force themselves on women and this is called sexual violence. Such force is a violation of their rights. The purpose of this study was to find out the perceptions of violated women towards sexual violence. The study was carried out at Msasa Project Gweru. The objectives were to expose the types of sexual violence they encounter and how the women react to it. A descriptive survey design was used for the study and a purposive sampling method was used to obtain 30 women who were sexually violated. These women were interviewed to assess their perceptions on sexual violence. The study revealed that sexual violence occurs across all ages but the perceived causes are culture, lust, gender as well as the personality of individual males. The women themselves can also incite sexual violence through their dressing, looks and behavior. The findings show that the women felt that stiffer penalties, counseling and improved communication can decrease the rate of sexual violence. The women suggest that men be educated on the rights of women and to value women so that they may understand the feelings of women and change their behavior of sexual violence. As a result, the researcher suggests that the women be empowered through educating them on their rights and what to do in case of sexual violation. The organisations which help women need to involve men in an effort to change their behavior. The perpetrators of sexual violence should be given a stiffer penalty which is prohibitive.