TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
Government should consider building safe houses for gender based violence (GBV) victims in Insiza district, Matabeleland South Province, women forums have said.
A safe house, in the context of GBV, is a home that provides an alternative shelter to a survivor of violence.
The intended purpose of a safe house is to keep the survivor away from any further potential harm from the perpetrator with the aim of supporting them in dealing with the traumatic experience as well as preparation for the legal process.
Analysts said lack of safe houses hampers reporting of cases as survivors.
Emthonjeni Women’s Forum advocacy chairperson, Sipho Mangena, said women have nowhere to go after being abused by their spouses.
“We are appealing for the creation of safe government houses so that women are protected. Women are violently treated in the communities.At times when women think of going to the police station to report, it would be too late and dangerous again that she might be raped while going to make her police case. She doesn’t have a place to sleep at night and no place to go to, “ Mangena said.
She added :”Some would run away from home after being abused by their male counterparts. She will need a place to stay but as an advocacy I would not be able to do it because I would be protecting myself.”
Mangena said the nearby safe house was in Umzingwane district.
“ There’s a safe in Matabeleland South Province in Umzingwane. But, the place is too far. Cases of GBV are rising. The place would be small to accommodate everyone in the province.
Emthonjeni Women’s Forum programs officer Nozithelo Mapholisa said GBV was rampant in the area.
Safe houses are not only beneficial to the survivors, but also play a key role in raising awareness of GBV in the community, with counselling, legal support and skills support.
