THE PERCEPTIONS OF MEN ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN GWERU URBAN: ZIMBABWE

Sexual violence is violation of women’s rights and a major public health problem, (WHO, 2013) which has aroused interest and publicity with women activist. The study aimed at unearthing what sexual violence is as perceived by men and to identify factors which the men believe to be leading them to sexual violence. The study was carried out in Gweru urban, Zimbabwe. A sample of 30 men was conveniently selected for interviews and individual focus groups. The data from the interviews were triangulated with that from the two focus groups which were conducted out at a college. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data from focus groups and individual interviews. The study revealed that men had a very restricted definition of sexual violence. They considered sexual violence to be accompanied by physical violence and that it does not exist in married couples as they have an obligation to satisfy each other’s sexual needs. It also came out of the study that culture and socialisation of the boy child has a bearing on how the men perceive sexual violence. The men also believed that the behavior of women and the media can stimulate men to the extent of losing their self control. The conclusion that a universal definition of sexual violence is very difficult because of the different cultures and socialisations was made. The study recommends the need for men and women to come together and address cultural issues on sexual violence and how to bridge them.