On Day 6 of our 16 Days of Activism series, we delve into the critical role that policy and accountability play in addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Zimbabwe. Laws and policies can set the framework for justice, protection and prevention, but are they being implemented effectively? How do we ensure that survivors have access to justice and that perpetrators are held accountable? Let’s explore the gaps in policy and accountability and discuss how we can create a more responsive and fair system.
Zimbabwe has made strides in developing legal frameworks to address GBV, such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. These laws provide avenues for survivors to seek justice and protection. However, gaps in implementation and enforcement still remain.
- Protection Orders - The Domestic Violence Act allows survivors to seek protection orders, but these orders often lack enforcement. Survivors may still face intimidation or retribution from the perpetrator even after obtaining a protection order, which highlights a need for greater law enforcement training and safeguards.
- Reporting Mechanisms - Survivors often feel that reporting GBV is not worth the effort due to delays, lack of resources, or fear of retaliation. We need to ensure that survivors are not only able to report GBV without fear of retribution but also have access to police services that are equipped to handle cases with sensitivity and urgency.
- Strengthening Laws - While Zimbabwe’s laws make strides in protecting survivors, there’s still a need to strengthen legal penalties for GBV offenses. Penal codes should reflect the severity of violence and hold perpetrators accountable in a way that sends a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated.
Accountability is a cornerstone of a fair justice system. Survivors need to know that their cases will be taken seriously and that perpetrators will face consequences for their actions. However, there are still significant gaps in holding perpetrators accountable.
- Law Enforcement Training - Many police officers lack training on GBV, which can lead to mishandling of cases and re-traumatisation of survivors. Training in trauma informed care, communication skills and understanding survivor rights is crucial to improving the response of law enforcement.
- Court Processes - Survivors often feel re-victimised during court proceedings, which can deter them from pursuing justice. We need to create trauma informed court processes that prioritize the survivor’s voice and minimise the sense of retraumatisation.
- Police Reporting Protocols - Survivors should have access to clear reporting protocols that ensure their cases are taken seriously. There needs to be a collaborative approach between police, prosecutors and advocates to ensure cases move forward efficiently and fairly.
Even with strong laws, without proper implementation and enforcement, these legal protections mean little. Zimbabwe’s legal system often lacks the capacity to ensure that laws are implemented effectively.
- Resources for Law Enforcement - The police and judicial system must have the resources and capacity to handle GBV cases. This includes access to training, funding and staff that are dedicated to responding to GBV cases with sensitivity and urgency.
- Judicial Processes - The judicial process should be streamlined to avoid unnecessary delays that can hinder survivors’ access to justice. This means having specialised courts for GBV cases and ensuring that cases move through the legal system without excessive backlogs.
- Community Engagement - Engaging the community in the implementation of GBV policies can help ensure compliance and foster a culture of accountability. This could include public education campaigns that raise awareness about GBV and explain legal remedies available to survivors.
Data collection and monitoring are essential for understanding the scale and nature of GBV and for assessing the effectiveness of policies and programs. However, there are still gaps in how data is collected and used in Zimbabwe.
- Comprehensive Data Collection - We need to collect comprehensive and disaggregated data on GBV cases, including reporting rates, court outcomes and support services used by survivors. This will enable us to understand the full impact of GBV and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs.
- Transparency and Reporting - Survivors and advocates should have access to transparent reporting systems where they can see how cases progress through the legal system. This fosters trust in the justice system and holds policymakers accountable for implementing effective reforms.
Community based responses are essential in creating a supportive and coordinated system of care for survivors of GBV. Collaboration between government, NGOs and community based organisations is key.
- NGOs and CBO Partnerships - Collaboration between NGOs, communitysbased organisations, and government bodies can create a comprehensive network of services that support survivors. NGOs often have a deep understanding of local needs and can offer services such as legal aid, counseling and advocacy.
- Awareness Campaigns - Community based campaigns can help educate the public about GBV, encourage reporting and shift attitudes and behaviours. These campaigns should emphasise the importance of accountability and legal protections.
- Referral Systems - A well coordinated referral system can ensure that survivors are connected to the right support services, such as shelters, mental health services and legal aid, without unnecessary delays.
There are still many challenges and gaps in Zimbabwe’s legal and policy framework for GBV. These include underfunding of services, lack of specialised training for law enforcement and judicial personnel and limited access to legal representation for survivors.
- Underfunding of Services -There is often insufficient funding for support services, such as shelters and counseling. This can prevent survivors from accessing the care they need, even if they report GBV.
- Limited Capacity - The judicial system may lack the capacity to handle the volume and complexity of GBV cases. This can result in long delays and a lack of justice for survivors.
- Community Stigma - Cultural and social stigma can still prevent survivors from seeking justice or support, limiting the overall effectiveness of legal reforms and policies.
The fight against GBV in Zimbabwe requires not only strong laws and policies but also a system of accountability and justice that prioritises the needs and voices of survivors. We need to bridge the gaps between policy, implementation, and community based responses to create a fair, transparent and responsive system. Let’s make sure that survivors are heard, supported, and empowered to seek justice and healing.
?? How can we ensure that legal reforms are implemented effectively and hold perpetrators accountable?
?? What steps can we take to bridge the gap between policy and community based responses?
?? How do we foster a culture of accountability and transparency within the legal system to support survivors of GBV?
?? Share your thoughts and ideas below! ??
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