By A Correspondent

Child protection groups are intensifying their push for a National Sexual Offender Registry following the alarming revelation that over 3,500 girls and women fell victim to sexual violence in the first quarter of 2024. This disturbing trend, revealed by Childline, suggests that by year-end, the number of victims could exceed 15,000.

According to Childline director Ms. Ratidzai Moyo, the organization’s records show a disturbing increase in sexual violence over the years. “The statistics are alarming, and it’s imperative that we establish a national sexual offender register to hold perpetrators accountable,” she emphasized. Moyo believes that this registry will play a vital role in safeguarding women and girls from sexual predators.

The call for a National Sexual Offender Registry comes as child protection groups and officials from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs engage in discussions to address the rising issue of sexual violence.

With the number of victims projected to rise, the need for a comprehensive registry to track and monitor sexual offenders has become increasingly urgent.