60 percent of murders a result of domestic violence

60 percent of murders a result of domestic violence

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By Staff Reporter

OVER half Zimbabwe's murders are a result of domestic violence, according to shock figures announced by the government this week.

Women's Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri said 60 PERCENT of murder cases coming before the country's High Court were all a result of domestic violence.

Muchinguri, citing a report by the Musasa Project -- an independent counselling agency for domestic abuse victims -- also revealed that at least ONE IN THREE Zimbabweans were in an abusive marital relationship.

"The magnitude of gender-based violence is both frightening and shocking and the statistics are proof enough as to why we need domestic violence legislation," Muchinguri told female legislators during a discussion on the Domestic Violence Bill which is before Parliament.

The Bill will widen the scope of domestic violence to include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse as well as harassment and stalking.

If passed into law, the Bill will mandate the Zimbabwe Republic Police to have a special section at every police station dealing with domestic violence.

Muchinguri asked MPs to vote to end "harmful practices" such as virginity testing, female mutilation, pledging of women and girls for appeasement of avenging spirits, forced wife inheritance and early child marriages.

Musasa Project director Ednah Bhala told the same meeting that at least 8 000 abused women turned to her organisation for shelter and counselling annually.

Zimbabwe is going through its worst economic crisis in history, with inflation of up of 1 200%. This has fuelled strains on family bonds, with many families breaking up under the pressures of poverty.
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