Once Sexually Abused,Twice Victimised

Access to Justice for Child Victims of Sexual Violence in Tanzania

Abstract

This article uses empirical data to provide answers on the extent to which the justice system is accessible to child victims of sexual violence in Tanzania. It is informed by the procedural justice theory which holds that in interactions with authorities, the perceived fairness of the process may be more important than the favorability of the outcomes themselves.

It argues that despite Tanzania being a party to international treaties which guarantee access to justice and guaranteeing access to justice in its laws, the reality on the ground is that child victims of sexual violence are faced with so many hurdles to an extent that they decide to abandon the justice system in favour of out of court agreements which may not necessarily provide justice in favour of the victims. Thereafter, it is recommended that measures need to be taken in order to improve access to the justice system for child victims of sexual violence in order to protect them from being double victimised.