Harare, 30 October 2026
We, the undersigned civil society organisations, are deeply concerned by the continued prevalence of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe and its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. As organisations committed to human rights, dignity and equality, we reaffirm that everyone has the right to live free from violence, intimidation and abuse, including within intimate relationships.
Intimate partner violence affects people of all genders and takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, threats and coercive control. No one should have to live in fear of their partner. Violence and abuse must never be dismissed as private family matters.
Intimate partner violence persists when abusive behaviour is normalised, survivors face stigma or fear retaliation, and harmful gender stereotypes discourage people from speaking out or seeking help. Love should never mean living in fear. No relationship gives anyone the right to control, intimidate, exploit or harm another person.
We therefore call on:
- Families and communities to recognise and challenge abusive behaviour, take warning signs seriously and reject the normalisation of violence in intimate relationships.
- Families, churches and community leaders to create safe, supportive and stigma-free environments where survivors can seek assistance without fear of judgement, discrimination or retaliation.
- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to respond promptly to reports of domestic violence, thoroughly investigate complaints, protect survivors and ensure perpetrators are held accountable in accordance with the law.
- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to strengthen access to justice through timely, fair and survivor-centred judicial processes that protect the rights and dignity of survivors.
- The Anti-Domestic Violence Council to strengthen prevention initiatives, public awareness, survivor support services, coordination among relevant stakeholders and reliable data collection to inform effective responses to domestic violence in Zimbabwe.
To anyone experiencing abuse: You are not alone. You are not to blame, and you deserve safety, support and dignity. Every survivor deserves to be heard, believed and treated with respect, regardless of gender.
If you are experiencing abuse or know someone who is, you can report the matter at your nearest Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) station. You can also seek assistance through the following support services:
- WLSA Zimbabwe - Free Legal Aid | +263 242 253001-3
- Pamuhacha - Psychosocial Support | 077 293 2748
- Zano Mukadzi Trust - Counselling | 078 238 5913
Spot the signs. Break the silence. End intimate partner violence.
Signed by
- ClimaGender Foundation
- Fathers Against Abuse
- Inuka Women of Zimbabwe Trust
- Kunashe
- Lower Guruve Development Association
- Pamuhacha
- SkillUp Impact
- Women Against Violence & Exploitation (WAVE)
- Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe
- Zano Mukadzi Trust
