Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Online Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has launched a 90-day national campaign against intimate partner violence (IPV) following concerns over rising cases of domestic violence, including disputes that turn fatal.
The campaign, running from October to December this year and culminating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, seeks to strengthen prevention, encourage early reporting and improve support for survivors.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Friday, ZGC chairperson Dr Leslie Ncube said intimate partner violence remained a serious national concern requiring coordinated intervention by Government, civil society, communities and other stakeholders.
He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police recorded at least 13 838 cases of sexual offences and aggravated domestic violence in 2024.
The Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) 2023-2024 also showed that 27 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 have experienced physical violence, while nine percent have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.
“The Commission is 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,” said Dr Ncube.
He said the campaign will focus on public awareness and sensitisation, Government and institutional engagement, involving men and boys in preventing violence, engaging faith-based and traditional leaders, and promoting safe and supportive workplaces.
Dr Ncube said the initiative was part of efforts to implement the High-Level Political Compact to End Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices in Zimbabwe (2021-2030) launched by President Mnangagwa and the National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence (2023-2030).
The compact seeks to eradicate sexual violence, child marriage and intimate partner violence by 2030 while promoting increased domestic financing for gender-based violence programmes.
The campaign, Dr Ncube said, will prioritise early identification of warning signs, healthy relationships, mental health awareness, peaceful conflict resolution, survivor support and institutional accountability.
He said although women and girls continued to bear a disproportionate burden of gender-based violence, men and boys were also affected, with some male survivors reluctant to report abuse due to stigma, shame and fear of ridicule.
“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 said.
Dr Ncube called on communities to report cases of domestic violence in line with the Anti-Domestic Violence Act of 2007 and urged Government institutions and service providers to strengthen prevention, protection and justice mechanisms.
He also urged men and boys to reject violence while calling on religious and traditional leaders to challenge harmful social norms and promote peaceful families.
The commission called on the media to report cases of intimate partner violence ethically and responsibly while encouraging employers to establish support and referral systems for affected workers.
Dr Ncube said ending intimate partner violence required collective action from Government, civil society, development partners, the private sector, families and communities.
He said the campaign sought to promote peaceful homes, protect children and strengthen families as part of broader efforts to build safer communities.
