More men are abused by women in Zimbabwe

Gender activists have called on Government to take serious steps towards addressing violence against men following strong indications that a growing number of men are being physically and emotionally abused by women.

According to latest statistics, Varume Svinurai/Vukani Madoda Men's Rights Group has this year alone dealt with 20 domestic violence cases involving male victims.

The organisation's secretary, Mr Temba Nzounhenda, said the figure does not give a full picture of the abuse as most victims suffer in silence for fear of public ridicule.

He said most cases emanated from infidelity, financial issues and instances where women provide for their families.

"We have men reporting cases of violence ranging from verbal and physical abuse to being denied conjugal rights."Other cases are not necessarily different from the types of violence female victims are subjected to," he said."We often send cases for prosecution.

"However, the situation is compounded by how male victims are treated at law during enforcement, interpretation and implementation.

"Cases involving male victims do not receive the same and adequate attention compared to those involving women."

National police spokesperson Superintendent Andrew Phiri said police were unable to keep track of the number of the victims owing to the absence of a standard database.

"I cannot say domestic violence (against men) is on the increase because we need comparative statistics.

"Currently, the statistics are not in a database as male victims of domestic violence are very few," he said.

"It has also been the norm that women and children are the most vulnerable groups in society. Our priority has always been these groups."

Supt Phiri encouraged abused men to approach the police, saying they would not face discrimination.
Mr Nzounhenda, in turn, urged authorities to take domestic violence against men seriously by maintaining a proper database and staffing victim-friendly units adequately.

"It is unfair discrimination. What they are saying is men are not important. This should change. They should have a database of female and male victims as this would help us plan on how to deal with such cases," said Mr Nzounhenda.

"Victim-friendly units should also be staffed equally to encourage more men to report.

"Most units have more women; male victims would feel more comfortable reporting to male officers."

According to the Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence refers to any unlawful act, omission or behaviour, which results in death or the indirect infliction of physical, sexual or mental injury to a complainant.