5 Forms of Sexual Abuse Many Victims Fail to Recognize

afecamer — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:39:41 +0000

Introduction In Cameroon, talking about sexual abuse remains, in many social circles, a taboo subject. Shame, fear of social judgment, family pressure and cultural weight push thousands of victims into silence. And yet, according to the Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (DHS-V, 2018), 13% of women have been victims of sexual violence at some point in their lives. Data from the Association for the Fight Against Violence Against Women (ALVF) further reveals that 29% of women report having been victims of acts of sexual violence, and that 39% of victims have never spoken to anyone about what they experienced. These alarming figures hide an even deeper reality: a large proportion of sexual abuses are not recognized as such by the victims themselves. Why? Because abuse does not always look like what we have been taught to identify. It does not necessarily happen in a dark alley, committed by a stranger. It can come from a husband, a teacher, a supervisor, a family member, or even take place behind a phone screen. In this article, the association Femmes et Enfants presents 5 often overlooked forms of sexual abuse, with insight into Cameroonian law, local realities, and resources available to victims. 1. Sexual Coercion: When “Yes” Is Taken, Not Freely Given What is it? Sexual coercion refers to any situation in which a person is led into sexual activity without freely consenting — not because they were physically forced, but because they gave in under pressure, emotional blackmail, guilt-tripping or persistent insistence. In Cameroon, this form of abuse is particularly common in romantic or engaged relationships. Phrases such as “If you loved me, you would agree”, “You promised me”, “You owe me this after everything I’ve done for you”, or “If you refuse, I’ll go find someone else” are tools of coercion. The victim says “yes” — but that yes was extracted through fear, exhaustion, guilt, or economic dependency. Why is it difficult to recognize in Cameroon? In our cultural context, there is strong social pressure on women to “satisfy” their partner. Expressions like “a good woman doesn’t refuse her husband” or “it’s normal in a relationship” normalize these behaviors and prevent victims from identifying them as abuse. Many young girls and women believe they have no right to refuse once there is an emotional commitment or a relationship of dependency. What Cameroonian Law Says The Cameroonian Penal Code (Law No. 2016/007 of 12 July 2016) punishes rape committed through physical or moral violence (Article 296). Moral constraints — intimidation, psychological pressure, blackmail — are therefore legally recognized constitutive elements. A “yes” obtained under pressure is not valid legal consent. 2. Sexual Violence Within Marriage and Intimate Relationships What is it? One of the most widespread myths in Cameroon is that marriage implies permanent and unlimited sexual consent. This belief is wrong, both morally and legally. Being married does not mean having signed an agreement of permanent availability. Every sexual act requires free and explicit consent, every single time. Marital rape — that is, forcing one’s wife or partner into a sexual act against her will — is a reality experienced by thousands of women in Cameroon. ALVF data shows that 51.4% of acts of violence are committed by husbands or partners. Other behaviors fall into this category: initiating sexual contact while a partner is asleep, refusing to use a condom against the partner’s wishes, or using sex as punishment or reward. Why is it difficult to recognize? Cameroonian society still frequently views a married woman’s body as the “property” of her husband. This view is reinforced by certain traditions, misinterpreted religious teachings, and the absence of specific legislation on domestic violence. Many victims do not identify themselves as such because they grew up with the idea that refusing one’s husband is a failing. What Cameroonian Law Says The Cameroonian Penal Code recognizes rape committed by any person, including within a marital context. Article 296 punishes rape with imprisonment of 5 to 10 years. Sentences can be increased to 10 to 20 years if the perpetrator holds authority over the victim (Article 298), which can include a dominating spouse. It is important to note, however, that customary law and local judicial practices do not always fully recognize marital rape — which is precisely one of the battles that associations like ours are fighting. 3. Digital Sexual Violence: A Real Abuse, Even Behind a Screen What is it? With the proliferation of smartphones and social media in Cameroon, a relatively new form of sexual abuse has exploded: cyber sexual violence. It includes in particular: The Cameroonian Reality In Cameroon, young women are regularly blackmailed by former partners who threaten to share intimate photos unless they resume the relationship or pay money. This form of abuse is frequently under-reported out of shame and fear of social judgment, which tends to blame the victim for having taken or shared such photos. What Cameroonian Law Says Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010 on cybersecurity and cybercrime in Cameroon criminalizes sexual abuse committed online. Article 79 provides for penalties of 5 to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines of 5 to 10 million FCFA for acts of indecency committed electronically. Articles 74 and 75 of the same law repress cyber harassment. Victims can contact the Cybercrime Unit (DGSN) to file a complaint. 4. Grooming: The Manipulation of Children by Trusted Adults What is it? Grooming (or “preparation for abuse”) is a process of progressive manipulation through which an adult builds a relationship of trust and affection with a child or teenager, with the ultimate goal of sexually abusing them. The abuser — who is very often someone the child knows: an uncle, a guardian, a teacher, a neighbor, a religious leader, an association official — proceeds step by step. They appear generous, understanding, and caring. They offer gifts, money, academic support. They gradually create an exclusive relationship, isolate the child from their loved ones, slowly introduce sexual conversations or behaviors, and impose secrecy. The Cameroonian Reality

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5 Forms of Sexual Abuse Many Victims Fail to Recognize