Staff Writer
ActionAid Zimbabwe has called for urgent action to strengthen protection, justice and support for survivors amid growing reports of gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence and violence within families, including cases resulting in loss of life.
In a statement issued on September 24, 2026, ActionAid Zimbabwe expressed concern over the reported cases and extended condolences to bereaved families while standing in solidarity with survivors.
The organisation said every case must be investigated on its own facts, with people at risk receiving protection and perpetrators being held accountable through due process.
“Violence in the home is a public concern and a violation of human dignity. It must never be excused as a private or family matter,” ActionAid Zimbabwe said.
ActionAid said abuse can take different forms, including physical and sexual violence, threats, intimidation, psychological and economic abuse, as well as controlling behaviour. It added that violence can continue or intensify after separation and through digital platforms.
The organisation also stressed the need for immediate and age-appropriate protection and support for children exposed to violence or directly affected by it.
ActionAid Zimbabwe said violence against women and girls is rooted in unequal power, discrimination and harmful gender norms, requiring sustained efforts to address the underlying conditions that enable abuse.
The organisation noted that Zimbabwe already has legal and policy frameworks aimed at protecting people from violence, including the Constitution, the Domestic Violence Act, the National Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence 2023-2030, as well as the country’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Maputo Protocol.
ActionAid Zimbabwe called on Government institutions responsible for policing, justice, health, social welfare, education and gender equality, working alongside the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, local authorities and civil society, to strengthen the implementation of existing protections.
It urged authorities to investigate reports without delay, take threats and repeated abuse seriously, facilitate access to protection orders and pursue offences fairly and effectively.
The organisation said risk assessments should prioritise immediate danger, particularly threats to kill, stalking, strangulation, escalating control, violence during separation and threats against children.
ActionAid Zimbabwe also called for adequately funded and coordinated police, health, psychosocial, legal aid, shelter and social protection services, including One Stop Centres and effective referral systems.
It said survivors’ privacy, safety and informed choices must be protected, while barriers affecting people in rural and marginalised communities and persons with disabilities should be removed.
The organisation further called for clear responsibilities and dedicated budgets to support implementation of the National GBV Strategy, alongside improved coordination between different sectors.
It said Government should publish reliable, privacy-protecting data on referrals, access to services, protection orders and case outcomes so that gaps can be identified and addressed.
ActionAid Zimbabwe also urged greater investment in prevention and community-led initiatives aimed at challenging victim-blaming, entitlement and harmful gender norms.
The organisation called for the involvement of men and boys, schools, traditional and faith leaders and the media in promoting equality, respectful relationships and responsible reporting.
It also appealed to donors and development partners to provide sustained, long-term and flexible funding for prevention programmes and survivor services.
“The protection of every person at risk must be matched by a decisive response to the structural inequalities that expose women and girls to violence,” ActionAid Zimbabwe said.
The organisation said it would continue working with communities, women’s rights organisations and public institutions to promote a society where everyone can live free from violence and fear.