Malawi: Dedza Police Station Officer In-Charge, Gift Chiundira has uncovered alarming statistics when it comes to gender based violence. The statistics came to the boy’s attention on Thursday.
The police service officer has expressed concern over the alarming rise in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the district. The Malawi Police Service has confirmed that the number of GBV Cases has increased by over 6000.
The number went from 2,205 between January and December, 2023 to 8,447 between January and September 2024.
They were commemorating 16 days of activism against GBV event at Kabwazi in the area of Senior Chief Chilikumwendo when the officer made this announcement. The sixteen days of Activism drive has helped many organizations see the importance of supporting the fight against Gender Based Violence.
Meanwhile, the police officer has revealed that the one of the leading causes of gender based violence is poverty. The arguments and disputes that lead to violence start from familial obligations, dispute over family assets, neglecting children and more.
The lack of resources is also one one reason for increased frustrations in households. The resources are scarce and members of the community can struggle to gain control of these resources.
The police officers have said that they have seen many children come to their offices for basic support such as food and shelter. The police officers are working with the traditional leaders to increase awareness regarding gender based violence.
The authorities have shared that Dedza North East parliamentarian, Auzious Chidovu also reflected on this crisis. He has confirmed that various forms of violence are being witnessed in the area with women and children being the primary victims.
He has asked the local and faith leaders to make use of social gatherings such as church services, weddings, and funerals. They can serve as platforms to raise awareness and promote anti-GBV initiatives.
Senior chief Chilikumwendo confirmed that he has established more structures to facilitate dispute resolution and provide reports to his office.
Dedza District Council, Gender and Development Officer, Lisnet Kathyole said the event was crucial in raising awareness and mobilizing the community to take an active role in preventing and combating GBV.
“I think we have managed to shed light on how all community members can help to prevent gender based violence. Hopefully this will result in the decrease of such cases,” she said.