adminH-Metro Reporter
CASES of Gender Based Violence (GBV) shot up during Covid-19 lockdowns as most victims were trapped, together with their perpetrators, according to research.
In Harare’s high-density suburb of Kuwadzana 2, domestic violence became a pandemic during the lockdowns.
Most women did not report the cases because of societal norms.
Some, however, got assistance from different women’s organisations.
Founding director of Shamwari Yemwanasikana (SYS), Ekenia Chifamba, said one in every three women in Zimbabwe, between the ages of 15 and 49, are abused in their lifetime.
“Since the lockdown began, we have addressed many cases of GBV, largely due to the home set-up.
“Most women and young girls spent most of their time confined in spaces with the perpetrators,” she said.
“Perpetrators are usually those close to the victims.
“Women who were previously abused by their husbands had to spend time with their abusive spouses in the same house.”
She said prolonged periods of abuse often cause a mental breakdown.
Lorraine Chivheya, 32, from Kuwadzana 2, said most women in her community were not aware of organisations which fight for their rights.
“We need more awareness campaigns and support from those women’s groups and organisations, so that people facing GBV report and get help.
“We thank other organisations which spread awareness campaigns and also the Government for taking a serious step to address these issues,” she said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter