Community duty bearers on the frontline: voices on child sexual abuse and gaps for orphans and vulnerable children in rural Zimbabwe

This study explored duty bearers’ perceptions of protecting orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) from sexual abuse in rural Zimbabwe. Eighteen key informants participated, and data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings showed that emotional neglect, manipulated trust, harmful cultural and religious practices, migration, poverty, and weakened community support increase OVCs’ vulnerability. Fear, social pressure, and economic dependence hinder disclosure. Child marriage, particularly within some religious sects, remained a major concern. Although counselling, sexuality education, and NGO programmes exist, policy awareness gaps persist. Guided by Ubuntu philosophy, the study recommends coordinated, trauma-informed, community-based child protection responses and strengthened legal awareness.