As the world prepares to mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, UN Women says nearly a third of women have suffered abuse in their lifetime, with cases rising during crises such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Musasa Project, a leading organisation that offers shelter and counselling services to victims of gender-based violence in Zimbabwe, says GBV cases rose significantly in 2020 after the onset of the pandemic.
Data provided by Musasa shows that GBV cases doubled in 2020 doubled compared to the 2019 figures. The organisation says the numbers for 2021 are likely to be higher as statistics between January and August showed an average monthly increase over the prior year.
Below is a table with cases of gender-based violence from 2019 to August 2021:
| Year | Total Recorded |
| 2019 | +20 000 |
| 2020 | 40 000 |
| 2021(Jan to Aug) | 26779 |
Musasa says a huge number of GBV cases go unreported.
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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