The Zimbabwe Constitution of 2013 section 25
Zimbabwe Domestic Violence Act 2006 chapter 5:16
There is no stand-alone Action Plan on VAW. However, the GBV National Strategy 2023-2030 (2023-2030) includes a Strategy's Action Plan
National strategy to prevent and address gender-based violence 2023-2030.
Strategy for the Elimination of Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace in Zimbabwe (2021-2025)
Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]
Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], Sec. 8(g)
Marital rape was criminalized under the Sexual Offences Act of Zimbabwe, 2001, which however was repealed by the Criminal Code. The Criminal Code does not contain provisions explicitly criminalizing marital rape.
The Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe (2013) Section 26
The Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13] Section 2 (3)
Marriages Act [Chapter 5:15]
Marriage Act, Chapter 5.15
Marriage Act, Chapter 5.15
As part of the definition of domestic violence, according to the Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16], Section 3
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, among its functions has to prevent and ensure total eradication of gender-based violence.
Zimbabwe adopted a Protocol on the Multisectoral Management of Sexual Abuse and Violence, promoting a coordinated and integrated approach to sexual violence and abuse.
There are 29 Victim Friendly Courts (VFCs) under the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) available nationwide (27 regional courts plus 2 for Harare and Bulawayo)
Victim Friendly Courts (VFCs) handle around 2,500 cases annually.
Legal services are offered by the Legal Aid Directorate and women’s organisations to indigent persons.
Among the organizations providing legal aid services: Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, Musasa, Legal Resources Foundation, Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe.
In Zimbabwe, there are approximately 289 police stations, each equipped with a Victim Friendly Unit (VFU). These units are specifically designed to handle cases related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The VFUs aim to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for victims, ensuring they receive appropriate care and attention during the reporting process.
The government has developed pre-service modules on gender and GBV for integration into the pre-service training of officials within the Judiciary, Police and Health professions; police officers within VFUs have been trained and continue to receive trainings on handling GBV cases and on assisting survivors of GBV.
Zimbabwe established One Stop Centres (OSCs) in provinces, which offer health, legal, police and psychosocial services to survivors of violence. To date seven (7) OSCs have been established in six provinces. Mobile One Stop Centres have also been established to provide GBV services to survivors within their areas of residence. Mobile OSCs are being provided outby various Civic Society Organisations (CSOs).
The Government of Zimbabwe working with other stakeholders has established toll free lines for reporting of GBV cases. The toll free lines have enabled survivors to access services promptly and they have also facilitated for follow ups by service providers.
The GoZ working with development partners has put in place safe shelters that offer temporary safe spaces for women survivors and assist them in reporting GBV cases and pursuing the legal proceedings.
In 2021 the One Stop Centers offered services to 7392 women. Since 2022 a total of 2265 verified GBV cases, of which 92% were from women, have been reported through the toll-free lines.
Health Services are provided by local hospitals and clinics offering services to survivors of GBV. Training is provided on how to handle rape cases.
