Facebook exposes cheating partners

Members of Parliament will soon launch an aggressive anti-domestic violence campaign at constituency level amid revelations that the incidence of such violence has increased with close to 4 000 cases having been recorded this year alone.

Police attribute the increase to infidelity and marital disputes linked to finances. Zimbabwe Women's Parliamentary Caucus chair­person Beatrice Nyamupinga said the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee on Women's Affairs, Gender and Community Development would run the campaign under the banner, "Parliamentarians against gen­der-based violence".

She said the caucus took the decision fol­lowing indications domestic violence contin­ued unabated.

"The idea emerged after it was noted that domestic violence was on the increase. We thought it would help if parliamentarians preached the gospel of peace in their respec­tive constituencies," she said.

National police spokesperson Superinten­dent Andrew Phiri last week said about 3 830 domestic violence cases have been reported since the beginning of the year.

He said technological advancements such as Facebook, WhatsApp and the short message service (SMS) often spark violence in homes after exposing infidelity.

He said women accounted for the larger proportion of victims, adding that many abused men were reluctant to make their cases known.

"Domestic violence is on the increase. It is likely to increase tremendously during the festive season due to bonus allowances awarded to workers at that time of the year.

"Limited economic resources in families have also led to the increase of domestic vio­lence as misunderstandings arise on when and how the money should be spent.

"We, as the police, have put in place measures such as prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence as well as protection orders for the victims. However, the biggest challenge is that cases are withdrawn, especially if the complainant is female. They usually fear that no one will fend for the family if the accused, who is usually the breadwinner, is jailed."

Msasa Project director Ms Nettie Musanhi said her organisation continues to handle numerous cases, some of which culminate in murder.

Ms Musanhi urged Government to empower women to ensure their economic independence.

"I can confirm that we have received an increased number of domestic violence cases.  Some of them are horrendous as a partner could have been gruesomely murdered or extremely burnt by the other," she said.

"The Government should make sure women actively participate in economic empowerment programmes such as the land reform and mining where the majority of beneficiaries are men.

"Funds should also be availed to create sus­tainable income-generating projects for women."

The Domestic Violence Act of 2006 pro­vides for the protection and relief of victims of domestic violence.

It defines such violence as an unlawful act, omission or behaviour which results in death or the direct infliction of physical, sexual or mental injury to a complainant.

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