The Sunday Mail
Debra Matabvu
Zimbabwe has recorded an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls during Covid-19 induced lockdowns, a report says.
The recent report, commissioned by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) says there was an increase in physical, emotional and economic violence in April and May last year as compared to the same period in 2019.
The report showed that 5 498 cases were reported between May and April 2019 while 6 906 cases were reported during the period same period in 2020.
“Reporting of physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence by any perpetrator was highest during the COVID-19 lockdown period irrespective of the type of violence,” the report read.
“For example, 40,3 percent of all reports of physical violence collected across the different time periods were reported during the lockdown (April-May 2020) compared to 28 percent immediately before the lockdown (February-March 2020), and 31.8 percent in April-May 2019.”
The report also showed that there was an increase in victims reporting the abuses to relevant authorities such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were working on campaigns to end GBV and raise more awareness in communities in all provinces.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police plays a pivotal role in the fight against gender-based violence and we have intensified efforts to work and educate people in all provinces on violence and also educating the public on the importance of the Victim Friendly Unit,” he said.
