Patterns and Dynamics of Sexual Violence among Married Adolescents in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Getting married in adolescence is common in most parts of Africa. It has in many cases salient direct links with sexual violence among adolescents. Sexual violence and the vulnerabilities of adolescents have been reported in literature. However, the patterns and dynamics of sexual violence among married adolescents are not known or have not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the patterns and dynamics of sexual violence among married adolescents. A qualitative approach using in-depth interviews was used in the study. A total of 15 married adolescents were recruited through purposive snowball sampling in one rural district of Zimbabwe. Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework was used for data analysis. Three major themes emerged, namely sexual control, rape, and forced marriage. Each theme had three sub-themes. The study confirms what has already been reported in the literature that marriage at a young age has a correlation with sexual violence. There is therefore a need to strengthen family education on the effects of early marriages.