Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu [email protected]
Close to 14000 cases of sexual offences and aggravated domestic violences were recorded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in 2024 alone, raising concerns on the rampancy of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the country.
In view of the recent surge in IPV, Zimbabwe Gender Commission is therefore announcing a 90-day National Campaign Against Intimate Partner Violence, running from October to December 2026 and culminating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The campaign seeks to move the national conversation beyond responding to violence after it occurs towards prevention, early identification of warning signs, mental health dialogue, healthy relationships, peaceful conflict resolution, reporting, survivor support and institutional accountability.
This was said by Dr Leslie Ncube, the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) during a media briefing this Friday morning saying they are deeply concerned by the increasing reports of physical, sexual, emotional and other forms of violence occurring within intimate relationships, including cases that escalate into loss of life.
“Reports demonstrate that IPV and domestic violence remain a serious national concern within the broader discourse on gender-based violence. The Zimbabwe Republic Police report a number of cases of domestic violence and related offences, including cases that have escalated to grievous bodily harm, murder and suicide. In 2024, at least 13 838 cases of sexual offences and aggravated domestic violence were recorded across the country,” said Dr Ncube.
The Commission said they are also deeply concerned by the increasing number of reported cases of fatal domestic disputes.
“These incidents underscore the urgent need for strengthened early intervention, prevention, and coordinated national response mechanisms to prevent domestic conflicts from escalating into violence and loss of life,” he said.
While women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of gender-based violence, the Commission emphasised that intimate partner violence can also affect men and boys.
“The experiences of male survivors may remain hidden because of stigma, shame, fear of ridicule, harmful expectations around masculinity and limited access to appropriate support services. The Commission therefore calls for an inclusive and gender-sensitive response in which every survivor, regardless of gender, can access information, prevention and protection, support, justice and appropriate referral services,” he added.
At the same time, Dr Ncube said responses must continue to recognise the particular vulnerability and the disproportionate impact of IPV on women and girls adding that a home should be a place of safety, dignity, love and respect not a place of fear.
The Commission therefore believes that preventing IPV is not only about protecting individuals, but it is about protecting children, strengthening families and safeguarding the future of communities.
“Intimate partner violence cannot be dismissed as a private family matter. It is a human right, gender equality, social and development concern that requires a coordinated national response. The continued prevalence of IPV demonstrates the need to strengthen implementation, prevention, public awareness, reporting, referral mechanisms and access to support services,” he added.
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