CAT/C/MOZ/CO/1 country. The Committee also notes with concern that the age of statutory rape of a minor is under 12 years (art. 394 of the Penal Code); that article 392 of the Penal Code includes virginity and seduction as prerequisites to define the crime of estupro; and that, pursuant to article 400 of the Penal Code, a person accused of a crime of rape who marries the victim is not subjected to pretrial detention (arts. 2 and 16). The State party should ensure that all cases of violence against women are thoroughly investigated, perpetrators are prosecuted and, if convicted, punished with appropriate sanctions, and that victims obtain redress, including fair and adequate compensation. The State party should complete the process of amending the Penal Code with a view to bringing the provisions criminalizing various forms of sexual violence and abuse into line with its obligations under international human rights law relating to women and children. Violence and sexual abuse against girls in schools 24. The Committee is seriously concerned about violence and sexual abuse against girls in schools by teachers and male classmates. According to information before the Committee, very few cases are reported, even fewer are appropriately prosecuted and the institutional response to the problem remains limited (arts. 2 and 16). The State party should strengthen its efforts to eradicate violence and sexual abuse against girls in schools and implement all necessary protective measures, in particular by: (a) Taking all measures necessary to investigate, prosecute and appropriately punish those found guilty of such acts, and providing the victims with redress; (b) Making resources available for prevention and protection programmes to eliminate the persistent pattern of violence and sexual abuse against children in schools; (c) Making complaints mechanisms available to victims and their families; (d) Strengthening awareness-raising and mandatory in-service training programmes on the subject for teaching staff; and (e) Guaranteeing victims full access to health services specialized in family planning and the prevention and diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases. The State party should ensure that victims obtain redress, including fair and adequate compensation, and the fullest possible rehabilitation. Harmful traditional practices 25. The Committee is aware of the efforts made by the State party to prevent early marriages. However, it remains concerned at the persistence of this and other harmful traditional practices, such as forced marriage, polygamy, adulthood initiation rites and child debt bondage. The Committee is also concerned at reports of corporal punishment (whipping) inflicted by some traditional authorities. Furthermore, it regrets the lack of information on the steps taken to ensure that customary law in Mozambique is not incompatible with the State party’s obligations under the Convention (art. 16). The State party should: (a) Strengthen its efforts to prevent and combat harmful traditional practices, particularly in rural areas, and ensure that such acts are investigated and the alleged perpetrators prosecuted and, if convicted, punished with appropriate sanctions; 8