The accusation comes ahead of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, a global campaign dedicated to ending GBV, slated for 25 November to 10 December.
According to a statement released by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, domestic violence has been escalating since 2008 when 1,940 cases were reported. In 2011 a total of 10,351 cases were reported with projections showing that if the trend for 2012 continues, statistics might surpass the 2011 figures as the country recorded 3,141 cases of domestic violence in the first quarter alone.
Police reported that at least seven people were killed by their partners in separate incidents in 149 cases of domestic violence recorded countrywide in just one week.
Some critics have been questioning the role that women’s groups are playing in the battle against GBV, accusing them of merely paying lip service to this cause.
Musasa Project Director Netty Musanhu defended the relevance of women’s lobby groups, and blamed the government for failing to implement laws that protect women's rights.
“As a woman's group we remain relevant in the fight against domestic violence but the government is letting us down. What are we fighting for if perpetrators always go unpunished?
“We have seen an increase in the cases of violence but I blame the law for not doing much to protect women. You find that there are domestic violence cases that turn fatal but the perpetrators are given 5years for murder or less,” said Musanhu. She cited a recent incident where a woman had been bashed by her boyfriend but he was released on $100 bail.
Concurring, Director for Girl Child Network Zimbabwe, Edinah Masanga said her organisation was fighting against gender-based violence by empowering young girls through their educational programmes.
“We ensure that our girls stay in school and give them the platform to open up by reporting these cases,” said Masanga.
Emilia Muchawa, Director of Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, said they were going to march in the streets of Harare protesting against gender-based violence this year.
“We have been providing assistance to domestic violence survivors by representing them in court which shows our commitment in fighting this animal. Our association also facilitated in the enactment of many gender based laws,” she said.
In 2007, the Zimbabwean government passed into law the Domestic Violence Act which was hailed as a progressive step in providing remedies, and ensuring stronger legal enforcement, against GBV.
The aim of the law is basically to provide relief and ensure protection for survivors of domestic violence, as well as long-term measures for the prevention of domestic violence.
In 2009, the ministry of Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development launched the Anti-domestic Violence Council in terms of Section 16 of the Domestic Violence Act.
The statement by ZLHR called on members of society to commit themselves to changing attitudes and ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
“In Zimbabwe there are laws that protect society against family violence and abuse, rape, sexual assault and other gender-based violence, but these laws are meaningless without effective, fearless and sustained implementation by the police, prosecutors and the courts against any and every perpetrator,” read the statement.
Post published in: News