The COVID-19 impact on children

At the beginning on the pandemic in 2020-2021, Botswana experienced a surge in cases of violence against children, especially sexual violence.

“COVID-19 exacerbated pre-existing challenges. It is very clear that some of the abuse is perpetuated in homes-a place where children should be safe,” said UNICEF Representative, Dr. Joan Matji. The country recorded increase of rape cases of children from 474 to 734 with the youngest victim being a two-year-old, defilement cases increased from 1825 to 2033, while violence cases grew from 134 to 238 during the same period.