By Thomas Kabay
Reports from a survey conducted in nine communities within Goderich, Western Rural District, have revealed children vulnerability as the leading cause of sexual penetration and rape in that part of the city.
A Community Based Organization, “Change My Story” analysis of a Community Needs Assessment revealed that communities in Goderich are having inadequate social and basic necessities.
The Community Assessment Survey which explored family constraints aimed at providing data that could be used to make available certain social amenities, building an educated citizenry and promoting social and community developments in Sierra Leone.
The Survey highlighted constraints faced by families in bringing up their children in those communities.
Children who move out in search of or to fetch water for domestic use always become prey to paedophiles.
The abuse of women and girls, the survey revealed, may also be related to alcohol and drug misuse which are triggers of perpetrating domestic abuse, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Excessive alcohol consumption and substance misuse have been identified as leading causes of family problems, financial hardship, health issues and undermine good parental values. Bad hygiene plaguing the communities make the situation worse.
The survey also captured depression as a concern among residents who indicated that mental health issues are prevalent within communities at Goderich.
The communities where the survey was done include Levuma, Million Margai, Marjay town, Funkia, Sugar Land, Oku town wharf, Boama, Metchem, Gbendembu and Bango farm among others.
