Harare – Despite concerted public awareness efforts by government and development
partners, most survivors of rape in Zimbabwe do not seek medical help in cases where
pregnancy occurs. Survivors and their families believe they have no legal options to
terminate such pregnancies. In Zimbabwe, 1-in-4 women report experiencing sexual
violence. Survivors misunderstand or are afraid of the steps they need to take after rape
has occurred, resulting in low access to health services.
The ignorance does not lie with the survivors alone. Some healthcare workers remain
uncertain about what the law actually permits, creating fear, confusion, and dangerous
delays in accessing care. Yet Zimbabwean laws allow for the safe termination of
pregnancy under specific circumstances, including rape. Section 4(c) of the Termination
of Pregnancy Act [Chapter 15:10] states that termination may be lawful where: “the
pregnancy is the result of unlawful intercourse.”
This provision exists to protect survivors of sexual violence from further negative
impacts, and ensure appropriate medical care as allowed by the law. Despite this legal
protection, awareness among survivors and frontline healthcare workers remains low,
creating an information gap that has severe consequences. Most well-known is the case
of Mildred Mapingure who became pregnant after she was assaulted and raped by
robbers at her home in Chegutu. While she immediately reported the crime to police,
and sought emergency contraception, the doctor attending her case failed to provide
her with appropriate services, delaying her care.
One of the biggest consequences is that in the event of pregnancy, survivors resort to
unsafe abortion methods which may result in their death.
According to official statistics, at least 60 000 unsafe abortions occur in Zimbabwe
annually, and these contribute to between 16 and 25 percent of all maternal deaths
yearly.
How to deal with the problem?
From the onset, it must be understood that rape is not only a criminal matter-it is also a
medical emergency requiring a multifaceted response to physical and emotional harm.
Interventions such as emergency contraception, HIV Post exposure prohylaxis,and
prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), injury management, psychological
support, forensic documentation, and information about lawful healthcare options are
required soon after a rape occurs.
Delays in seeking care and treatment can reduce the efficacy of available interventions
and increase health risks.
Why timing and rapid action matter.
Healthcare workers play a critical role far beyond clinical treatment alone primarily
because health services are among the first sought by survivors of sexual violence.
As such, the response by a health care worker can shape whether a survivor feels safe,
supported and informed about their legal options.
Simple actions matter. Providing privacy, listening calmly, explaining procedures clearly,
and avoiding judgmental language can help survivors regain a sense of control during
an extremely traumatic moment.
Confidentiality on the part of the health care worker is equally important, particularly in
communities where survivors fear stigma or retaliation.
Healthcare workers also help document and preserve evidence that may later support
legal processes if the survivor chooses to pursue justice.
But, importantly, uncertainty around legal procedures should never prevent survivors
from seeking and receiving urgent medical attention.
How are other countries managing?
Increasingly, African countries have instituted integrated survivor support systems.
In South Africa, the government established Thuthuzela Care Centres to provide
coordinated medical care, counselling, forensic support, and legal assistance for rape
survivors.
The South African model places healthcare workers at the centre of early intervention
and survivor protection.
In Zimbabwe, the Adult Rape Clinic (ARC) was established in recognition of the growing
need for specialised, comprehensive, and survivor-centred services for rape survivors.
Over the years, the Clinic has evolved into one of the country’s leading institutions
providing integrated medico-legal, psychosocial, and referral support services for
survivors of sexual violence.
According to the ARC website, the institution provides medical management,
counselling, psychosocial support, forensic services, and coordinated referral pathways
through partnerships with organisations offering complementary services, including
ongoing mental health support, police services, social welfare, and legal assistance.
In addition, ARC operates a 24-Hour Toll-Free Line (08080472), which provides
immediate telephonic support, counselling, referrals, and guidance to rape survivors
and affected families, ensuring timely access to critical information and survivor-centred
care services.
While still not fully understood or utilised, Zimbabwe’s laws acknowledge the importance
of access to healthcare after sexual violence.
On the other hand, fear of social ostracization often isolates survivors at the exact
moment they most need support.
Accurate public education is therefore critical because better awareness can reduce
fear, encourage timely medical care, and help prevent unsafe practices that place lives
at risk.
At its core, Section 4(c) of the Termination of Pregnancy Act exists to protect health,
dignity, and humane access to care for survivors of rape.
