Enhancing child protection in Zambia : evaluating communication strategies employed by the Police Victim Support Unit (VSU) to disseminate information about child sexual abuse

This paper provides an account of the experiences and observations that were made by the researcher during the attachment with the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit (VSU)
at Lusaka Central Police Station. The aim of the attachment was to gain experience and
insight in the communication strategies used to disseminate information on Child Sexual
Abuse (CSA), specifically targeting the residents of the high-density area of Kalingalinga in Lusaka. Child Sexual Abuse is a problem that has both psychological and physical consequences for the victim. In the past it was a problem that was solved in the family circles but with education and promotion of children's rights, it is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment of a minimal of 15 years.The report analyses the conmiunication strategies and how the VSU employs them. It also discusses the extent of the public use and knowledge of the unit and their knowledge on CSA. The report further discusses the relevant theories, comparing and contrasting
them with the strategies used by the VSU.
The report is expected to enlighten personnel at the VSU on the effectiveness of their strategies and also their weaknesses so that they can design effective messages for educating the community on CSA.