Bulawayo residents have been urged to make use of the One Stop Centre at Mpilo Central Hospital to report and seek assistance for Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The call was made during a community workshop in Cowdray Park hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), UNFPA and other stakeholders, including residents’ leaders, community health clubs, support groups and church representatives.
The engagement comes ahead of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10 under the theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Representatives from the One Stop Centre, which opened last year, said the facility was established to ensure survivors can access counselling, health services, police support and legal assistance in one place.
“Since opening, we have handled a significant number of cases, with survivors receiving support and perpetrators being arrested. We encourage anyone who needs help to come forward. The centre is meant to make the process easier by eliminating the need to move from office to office,” a representative said.
A VFU officer also urged residents to report disputes early, warning that delayed reporting often leads to severe physical assault or death.
“VFU units are available at all police stations. It is important to seek help early before issues escalate,” she said. “If you notice constant quarrelling or lack of peace at home, you can visit our offices for counselling.”
She raised concern over cases of child sexual abuse concealed within families.
“There are cases where a child is raped by a family member but the matter is covered up until the child becomes ill or pregnant. Such cases must be reported promptly to protect the child from pregnancy, HIV and other infections,” she said.
The officer also encouraged men to report abuse, saying many suffer in silence.
“Men can also be victims of verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Some hesitate to speak out, yet this silence contributes to rising suicide cases among men. Our officers are trained to support everyone,” she said.
During discussions, residents highlighted several drivers of GBV, including financial strain, dishonesty and family disputes.
One resident shared an incident involving a man who later discovered that his wife had been secretly receiving maintenance from her former partner for a child born before their marriage.
“When he confronted her, she left him and later took him to court for maintenance for the child they had together,” the resident said.
Another participant noted that financial dynamics can fuel conflict.
“Money plays a big role in GBV. Sometimes when women start earning more than their husbands, they lose respect. The economy is already tough, and when men are blamed for failing to provide, some become emotionally overwhelmed and may turn violent,” he said.
Residents also cited inheritance disputes as an increasingly common trigger of violence.
“Siblings often fight over houses and property left behind by parents. These conflicts easily escalate into physical confrontations or worse,” one resident added.
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