earticle

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This study focused on the plight of children who are secondary victims of family break up in Gweru, Zimbabwe. The focus was on children who suffer loss as a result of the consequences of divorce and /or separation of parents. The researchers used purposive sampling, also referred to as convenience sampling to ensure that a significant number of participants were involved. Interviews and observations were handy in the collection of data.. The study established that children of divorced and/or separated parents suffer a lot of problems some of which result in the adoption of anti-social behaviour, decline in school performance, deterioration of health, low self-image. 75% of the participants interviewed showed that consequences of divorce and/or separation are catastrophic on children. The study further established that children as secondary victims, run away from home, dropout of school, develop a negative attitude of family life. The study recommends that counselling services be made available to these children, their parents and the society in general for behaviour change, attitude change and adjustment to the challenges caused by family break-up. Other stakeholders such as the Government and civil society should also support these children in as far as the five basic children’s rights are concerned.