MPs raise alarm over rising fatal domestic disputes in Zimbabwe

MPs have raised concern over a rise in fatal domestic disputes, warning that violence within Zimbabwean homes has become a crisis that can no longer be ignored.

Raising a point of national interest on Thursday, Zanu PF legislator for the Manicaland Women’s Quota and Central Committee member Gertrude Mutandi said domestic violence cuts across social status, education and profession and is increasingly turning deadly.

Citing findings from the 2023-2024 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, Mutandi said 27% of women aged between 15 and 49 had experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 9% had experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

“Behind every number is a person, a family and in many cases, children who are left to live with the trauma,” she said.