The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to and consequences of reporting rape in Hurungwe
District, a rural community located in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The researchers used the
qualitative research paradigm to enhance participants being studied to give richer answers. The target population
was the rural community with men, women and children being included in the study. A sample of 17 participants
was selected using the convenience sampling technique. Findings identified the following as some of the reasons
for under reporting of rape cases; improper definition of rape, fear of victimisation, poor action by law
enforcement agents because they are not well capacited, protecting the perpetrator and long distance to the
reporting centres. The researchers recommended extensive awareness campaigns through a multi-sectoral
approach, protecting survivors, capacitation of law enforcement agents, establishment of community child
friendly centres and heavily punishing those who protect perpetrators of sexual violence.