“Boys Don’t Cry”—But They’re Being Abused: Zimbabwe Faces Boy Child Abuse Crisis

In one of the most disturbing cases, survivors from St Ignatius College in Chishawasha have come forward with detailed allegations of sexual abuse by the late Father Brian Porter. The abuse reportedly spanned years, targeting Form One students, with victims now rallying under a group named Justice, Healing and Closure (JHC) to demand accountability and reparations.

Separately, in the Umzingwane district, the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA) has documented a rising number of sexual assault cases against boys in both primary and secondary schools. Cultural stigma and gender stereotypes are believed to be fueling underreporting, as boys often fear being disbelieved or ridiculed.

“Society has taught boys to stay silent, to ‘man up’ even when they are hurting,” said a ZWLA spokesperson. “This silence is killing them—psychologically, emotionally, and in some cases, physically.”

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a statement expressing concern over the increasing reports of child sexual abuse, including against boys. Law enforcement officials have warned parents and guardians against shielding perpetrators, stressing that obstruction of justice will result in prosecution.

“These crimes are serious and must be treated as such, regardless of the victim’s gender,” said  Commissioner Paul Nyathi. “Every child deserves safety and dignity.”

Advocacy groups are now demanding comprehensive reforms, including:

• Mandatory child protection training for teachers and school administrators;

• Confidential reporting mechanisms within schools;

• Trauma-informed counseling services for victims;

• Stronger enforcement of child rights legislation.

Education officials have so far declined to comment on the allegations at St Ignatius and other affected schools, but civil society groups warn that silence could enable further abuse.

As the nation confronts these revelations, activists emphasize that protecting the boy child must become a national priority—equal to efforts made on behalf of girls.

“This is not a gender war. It is a child protection crisis,” said one parent in Harare. “And it’s long past time we started treating it that way.”

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