Defilement cases on the rise - BGBVC

The Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre (BGBVC) has raised alarm over the increasing cases of defilement nationwide. BGBVC Counsellor Kitso Motlhale expressed concern that many perpetrators are close family members, making it difficult for victims to report abuse.

'These relatives commit rape against children, and the victims often remain silent out of fear,' she said. She added that such abuse causes lasting mental damage, while family members who could speak up often choose to protect perpetrators to avoid tarnishing their family name.

Motlhale stressed the role of families and communities in preventing child abuse, saying, 'Silence destroys children and weakens communities.'

Economic dependence is a significant factor in gender-based violence (GBV). In response, BGBVC—working with the French Embassy in Botswana, Sandfire, and BOCONGO—is tackling GBV in Ghanzi District while providing counselling and economic empowerment to survivors.

BGBVC Business Development Manager Kabelo Poloko cited a pilot project, the Survivor Economic Empowerment (SEE) initiative, which seeks to uplift GBV survivors through horticulture.

Participants will gain practical farming skills, build self-confidence, and generate income to support themselves and their families.

'There is a strong link between poverty and intimate partner violence, with survivors often facing severe economic and social consequences,' Poloko said.

Sandfire will facilitate training opportunities for survivors in the vegetable gardening project, covering crop management, financial literacy, and marketing skills to ensure its sustainability.

Counselling is a key component of the initiative. Poloko emphasised that survivors will receive ongoing therapy to heal from trauma, with support extended to their families to foster healthy relationships and manage conflicts.