Zimbabwe: 'Most People Ignorant of Domestic Violence Law'
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 Published by the government of Zimbabwe |
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The Herald (Harare)
6 August 2008
Posted to the web 6 August 2008
Harare
THE Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association has noted with concern the growing number of domestic violence cases in the country despite the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.
ZWLA representative Mrs Emilia Muchawa said victims of domestic violence are still ignorant of the rights made available to them under the law even after the massive training campaign of police officers, magistrates and traditional leaders.
She said this at the launch of a short film on domestic violence by Patsimeredu Edutainment titled Mudiwa at a local hotel in Harare recently.
"We feel that not enough has been done to publicise the law particularly in rural areas.
"Some of our police officers are still not equipped with the necessary skills in handling domestic violence cases especially in relation with the law," she said.
Mrs Muchawa also said the form required by the courts in handling cases of domestic violence is not available in police stations where the cases are reported and it is difficult for one to photocopy it, as it is too long.
"The form required is 30 pages long and is too complicated for a physically and emotionally abused person to complete.
"Also, the economic challenges we are currently facing make it very difficult for one to make a copy of the form.
"We therefore urge the Government to make these forms available and take necessary measures in the implementation of the law," she said.
Ms Ednah Masiyiwa, a member of the Anti-Domestic Violence Council set up in 2007 to spearhead the Domestic Violence Act, bemoaned media coverage on domestic violence and attributes that these same institutions which are supposed to safeguard the law are not doing so in utmost good faith.
She said shelters provided for victims of domestic violence are not fully protected and this makes them liable to further abuse.
"Shelters that are made available for victims need to be protected. For example, in rural areas these shelters are located at the headman's homestead, which is public knowledge to everyone including the perpetrators.
"As a result, victims remain unsafe," she added.
ZWLA also noted with concern that women, who are the victims in most cases, prefer to deal with domestic issues in other means other than judicial and unfortunately these means do not work as the violence continues.
Relevant Links
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