Sharp rise in demand for protection orders

members, something sociologists have said could point to a breakdown in social and family values.
The Harare Magistrates’ Civil Courts are handling nearly four times as many cases of relatives seeking protection orders against each other than they were this time last year.
Last year, the courts in Harare handled 1 140 cases, but are dealing with up to 10 daily this year.
The courts attended to 35 cases in January 2010, but this year’s figure for the same month has risen to 112.
In February 2010, magistrates handled 102 cases.
So far this month, 117 cases have already been heard at the Harare Magistrates’ Civil Courts.
Officials at the courts have said they are rescheduling cases because of the huge workload.
There are eight magistrates attending to civil cases in Harare.
Some observers have said the statistics reflect greater awareness of their rights by Zimbabweans.
While traditionally it was mostly women seeking protection from abusive husbands, men are now also making complaints against their spouses.
Parents and children, as well as siblings, have also been appearing more frequently on opposite sides of the dock.
A magistrate at the Civil Court yesterday said: “Domestic violence cases are increasing as people come here everyday seeking protection orders.
“This year we are expecting the numbers to increase as the year has started on a bad note compared to 2010.
“Sometimes we limit the number of cases per day to reduce the workload for presiding magistrates.
“It costs just US$5 to apply for a protection order. I think people now understand the Domestic Violence Act better and they are also aware that they can be protected from abusive people.”
Another magistrate added: “Protection orders seem to be the biggest step taken by domestic violence victims. People are quite aware that protection orders are complied with as breaching these means contempt of court.
“Such a breach is a criminal offence attracting a fine or prison sentence.”
The huge case load has largely been blamed on adultery and physical abuse, though more people are coming forward with emotional and financial abuse complaints.
In January, a Kambuzuma woman set herself ablaze after a heated argument with her husband.
A man from Crowborough axed his wife before committing suicide after an argument over money the latter had received from her social club.
Sociologist Professor Gordon Chavhunduka blamed financial problems for the increasing turmoil within families.
“Financial problems are behind many of these cases because one becomes angry easily and quickly when one is facing financial problems.
“That’s when people start fighting resulting in maiming or murdering.”