In the past two weeks, Zimbabwe media has reported a sharp rise in domestic violence attributed to abusive partners’ long stay at home under a national lockdown aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus.
Musasa Project, a leading organisation offering abused women shelter and counselling services, said it had recorded 764 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) between the start of the lockdown on March 30 2020/and April 9 2020.
Musasa normally receives 500 to 600 cases per month, and its director Precious Taru says the big jump to 764 cases recorded in 11 days is attributable to the lockdown.
What about police figures?
Police say 193 cases were between March 30 and April 13.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) chief spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, police records show that domestic violence cases during the first weeks of the lockdown were way below normal trends.
The 193 cases recorded up to April 13 were significantly lower than the 678 cases of domestic violence recorded during the same period in 2019.
The police, he said, was worried about the discrepancy in statistics being reported by the media and those in police records.
Why is there a disparity?
Musasa Project’s Taru says many cases are not reported to the police at the insistence of the victims. But she said counselling service organisations refer all severe cases of abuse to the police.
What are the major forms of abuse?
Rape, physical violence, sexual violence, verbal abuse, violence and murder threats, psychological abuse, denial of food and house lock outs.
What are some of the major issues driving domestic violence?
Violence and abuse is mostly driven by people who already have abusive tendencies; economic insecurity and poverty-related stress; family care demands; alcohol and drug abuse, or withdrawal problems; quarrels over family management or child care issues; disease and health care problems, sex and conjugal rights issues.
Where can people report for help?
Police Victim Friendly Unit
Helpline – (0242) 700171 -6
Musasa Project Toll free lines:
08080074,
WhatsApp /SMS: 0775442300
Who else is assisting women and victims of violence and abuse?
Besides Musasa, other organisations helping women to deal with violence and abuse cases include:
Legal Resources Foundation
Toll free – 08080402
Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association (ZWLA)
Toll free – 08080131
Adult Rape Clinic
Hotline – 0775727770
Shamwari yeMwanasikana
Hotline – 0772607384
Padare/Enkundleni/Men’s Forum on Gender
Hotline – 0776027290 / 0775545483
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