In Zimbabwe, 27 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 years have reported that they have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives (Zimbabwe Demographic and Health survey (ZDHS 2010-2011).
The mental and physical consequences of sexual violence, including rape, are severe and sometimes life threatening. They can include physical injury, infection with HIV or other STIs, unwanted pregnancy, and major depressive disorders. Without emergency treatment and preventive care within 72 hours, the consequences can be far worse, lasting long into the survivor’s life. However, due to the stigma surrounding sexual violence and low levels of awareness about the benefits of getting emergency care, only 20 percent of Zimbabwean women who experience sexual violence seek help.

Mbare, a high density suburb of Harare with a large youth population, is known to have high levels of HIV (14%) and sexual violence (33%). However, an MSF baseline study (2010) on perceptions of SGBV in Mbare showed that knowledge of SGBV and the need to seek medical treatment was limited, and the availability of accessible services for SGBV was low.

MSF has therefore been providing free, confidential medical treatment and psycho-social support to survivors of sexual violence at the Edith Opperman clinic in collaboration with the City of Harare health department since 2011, while supporting decentralised SGBV care to eight other polyclinics in Harare to cater from the demand and lessen the burden of transport costs to survivors from other areas.

Services include: Medical first aid; The offer of an HIV test and PEP for HIV-negative people reporting within 72 hours of rape; The offer of prophylaxis, vaccinations and treatment for STIs (including tetanus, HepB); Psychosocial support; The offer of a forensic examination for fresh cases

Since opening, over 7400 cases of sexual violence have been treated, of which 70% were adolescents.