COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF HOW DEFILEMENT IS ADDRESSED THROUGH COMMON AND CUSTOMARY LAW: A CASE OF THE NORTH-WEST DISTRICT OF BOTSWANA
Project period: June 2012 – March 2013
The research covering 1138 people interviewed in 23 villages was carried out. Below is a summary of the findings;
68% don’t know or understand what defilement is.
47% of those that know what defilement is didn’t know it is a crime.
More than half (55%) do not think that defilement is taken seriously enough in communities.
60% do not think defilement cases are ever prosecuted because they are either not reported or the justice system is inadequate.
86% say they would do something if they knew someone was being defiled but 14% would do nothing ,and this is a cause for concern.
55% of the respondents believed that some cultural practices perpetuate defilement.
47% of the respondents said there is no age restriction to marriage in their community.