Zambia Records Decrease in Gender-Based Violence Cases in First Quarter 2024
Zambia has seen a notable decrease in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases during the first quarter of 2024, according to statistics released by the Zambia Police. Compared to the same period last year, the country recorded 1,097 fewer cases, marking a 10.2% reduction.
The data revealed that out of the total 9,700 reported cases, 6,966 were classified as criminal, while 2,734 were non-criminal. Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of GBV criminal cases, with 2,278 incidents, followed by Western Province with 988 cases.
Notably, child defilement cases were prevalent in Lusaka, with 234 reported cases, while Eastern Province recorded 100 cases.
Among the victims, children accounted for 26.1% of all GBV cases, with 2,536 children reportedly abused. Of these, 84% were involved in criminal cases, with 1,584 girls and 546 boys affected. Additionally, 7,164 adults were abused, with women comprising 79.3% of victims.
The Victim Support Unit (VSU) provided counseling to 5,648 individuals, with 71.2% receiving counseling for criminal cases. Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of GBV cases, followed by Western Province, while Tazara Division reported the lowest incidents.
Sexual offenses constituted 10% of GBV cases, with 972 incidents reported. Child defilement accounted for the majority of sexual offenses, with 674 cases recorded. Rape cases totaled 131, with the majority involving women.
Under physical abuse, 3,519 cases were recorded, representing 50.5% of all reported GBV cases. Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH) accounted for the majority of physical assault cases.
Rae Hamoonga, the Police Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of addressing GBV and providing support to victims. The decrease in reported cases signifies progress in combating GBV, but challenges remain in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in Zambia.
Efforts to raise awareness, enhance support services, and strengthen law enforcement measures continue to be prioritized to tackle this pervasive issue.
