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OUR sister newspaper, Chronicle, carried a heart-breaking lead story about Gender Based Violence.
The newspaper, which is based in Bulawayo, reported that there were a total of 18 907 domestic violence cases recorded across the country from January to October this year.
There were 17 244 such cases reported across the country, during the same period, last year.
This means that the cases of GBV are on the increase when, as a country, we should be finding ways of combating this menace and seeing a reduction in the numbers.
The story also captured the reality that more men, who were being abused by women, were now coming forward to report the abuse to the police.
The report also captured the reality that we have already lost 46 people to GBV so far this year. These sad statistics are important especially as we have joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which started last Saturday.
It will end on December 10.
Around the world, an estimated 736 million women — almost one in three — have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least, once in their lives.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said 15 462 cases were reported by women against men while 1 782 were reported by men against women.
“For the same period this year, 18 907 cases of domestic violence were reported and 16 444 of these cases were reported by women against men and 2 463 were reported by men against women,” he said.
During the same period last year, 21 men were killed due to domestic violence compared to 15 this year.
Twenty-six women lost their lives from January to October last year.
Unlike in the past, it has been noted that there has been an increase in the number of men who are now reporting cases against women.
There were 2 463 reports such cases compared to 1 782 cases that were reported last year.
“Men are now coming forward to report abuse by women. Communities should continue giving credence to the issue of peace and tranquillity in families,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
“When couples have challenges here and there, only engagement and discussions can solve some of the differences.”
Asst Comm Nyathi urged citizens to take advantage of available community structures to solve GBV cases.
He said the major causes of domestic violence include social media, family setups, financial matters and infidelity.
We all have a role to play to ensure that we respect each other, both as men and women, and we don’t inflict pain, and damage, on each other.
It’s provided for in our constitution which emphasises the right to dignity, personal security and freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment.
Everyone has a role to play.
Women are not our punching bags and we should respect them for what they are.
It’s our responsibility, especially as men, to ensure that we have a good world, free from GBV.
Online Reporter