By Vongai Hillary Masuka
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) has called for an inclusive and gender-sensitive response to intimate partner violence (IPV), warning that male survivors are suffering in silence because of stigma, shame and harmful ideas about masculinity.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare, ZGC chairperson Dr. Leslie Ncube said that while women and girls remain the hardest hit, violence in intimate relationships also affects men and boys, whose experiences often go unreported.
“While women and girls bear a disproportionate burden of gender-based violence, the Commission emphasizes that intimate partner violence can also affect men and boys,” said Dr. Ncube.
He said the experiences of male survivors may remain hidden because of stigma, shame, fear of ridicule, harmful expectations around masculinity, and limited access to appropriate support services.
The Commission has called for a response in which every survivor, regardless of gender, can access information, prevention and protection, support, justice, and appropriate referral services.
Dr. Ncube stressed that the call for inclusivity did not water down the Commission’s focus on women and girls. “Responses must continue to recognize the particular vulnerability and the disproportionate impact of IPV in women and girls,” he said.
Dr. Ncube urged men and boys to take an active role in changing attitudes.
“We call upon men and boys to reject violence and become champions of respectful relationships,” he said.
“Behind every reported case, there may be many more incidents that remain hidden because of fear, stigma, economic dependence, shame, threats, social pressure, lack of information, concerns about family breakdown, or limited access to support services,” he added.
The Zimbabwe Gender Commission believes that violence is preventable and peaceful homes are possible.
