Child maltreatment in Zimbabwe is a pervasive and structural phenomenon that requires a grounded analysis to understand its drivers and impact. This chapter is focused on providing extensive literature review of work done focusing on child maltreatment in Zimbabwe. It provides an analysis of emerging patterns of child maltreatment in Zimbabwe, arguing that children are found within multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. The social determinants outlined in this chapter are not mutually exclusive but rather reinforce each other. This makes the problem of child maltreatment complex and multifarious. Child maltreatment is variously described as any form (physical, emotional or symbolic) of abuse of a child or children. The paper discusses the intersection of various factors that cause child maltreatment including: Culture, gender norms, religion, poverty, age, social location, class, HIV status, orphanhood, disability, domestic violence, blended families, new media and child carers. Children are the most vulnerable group of people because of their position in society.
Educational Attainment in Blended Families
