This Act is there to protect people from being abused within the framework of their homes.
WHO IS PROTECTED BY THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT
- A current, former or estranged spouse
- A child: - born in marriage -out of marriage -adopted -step-child
- Anyone who co-habits
- Anyone sharing a home
- In an intimate relationship
PROTECTED FROM WHAT?
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Intimidation
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Malicious damage to property
- Denying access to a home or facilities at home
- Forced Virginity test
- Female genital mutilation
- Pledging of women or girls for appeasing spirits
- Forced marriage
- Child marriage
- Forced Wife Inheritance
- Forced Sexual Intercourse
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Two Important things to
1. It is an offense for someone to do domestic violence hence one need to
report to the police at any police station in Zimbabwe. Once this report
is done a police officer shall arrest the perpetrator even without a
warrant of arrest.
2. Get a protection order to protect yourself or you can also get a
protection order on behalf of someone else. This application can be
made anytime even on weekends and out side court hours. It must be
granted within 48 hours.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE PROTECTION ORDER IS VIOLETED.
The protection order must be observed for five years. If it is violated report
to the police for an immediate arrest of the perpetrator.
If you need legal advice please get in touch with us at
info@priccilarfoundationforwomen.org
by Priccilar Vengesai
Founding Member