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By Marlvin Ngiza
People have been urged to desist from all forms of gender-based violence and to find peaceful ways of settling disputes.
Padare/Enkundleni Men’s Forum on Gender Program Officer Meseli Nyoni told Spiked Online Media that violence is not the remedy for misunderstandings and urged couples to engage third parties or find legal ways towards reconciliation.
“In order to address misunderstandings between couples, the best way is to seek legal procedures such as counselling, admitting to failures, forgiving one another, and sharing issues instead of engaging in fights or violence.
“Addressing concerns can be done through engaging aunts, elders, pastors, neighbours, counsellors as well as the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) found at all Zimbabwe Republic Police stations. In the event that you are violated, do not revenge. You can go to the VFU, advise systems around you, or seek medical attention. Do not remain silent. Stress will attack you,” said Nyoni.
Nyoni added that gender-based violence hinders societal developments and is a threat to social security.
“A violent community disrupts development. Funds that were supposed to pay school fees, or buy groceries will be used to pay court fines and buying medication in the event of physical violence. GBV can cause family disintegrations, child marriages, unwanted pregnancies, deaths due to suicide, school dropouts, and poverty,” added Nyoni.
Nyoni also highlighted infidelity as the major cause of GBV and urged couples to be faithful to one another.
“GBV is being exacerbated by spending all the time together for hostile couples during lockdown periods, economic challenges due to the pandemic, and infidelity that is among major causes of GBV. It destroys families. Just be faithful to your partner muto wetsenza mumwechete,” said Nyoni.
Padare provides counselling and psychosocial support to both survivors and perpetrators of GBV and conducts dialogues with men, boys and other players such as traditional leaders, faith leaders, and women in raising awareness on reducing GBV