Domestic Violence Crisis Rocks Zimbabwe: Bedrooms Become Boxing Rings, Families Torn Apart

Domestic violence is surging across Zimbabwe, with police and counsellors warning of a national crisis as bedrooms turn into ‘boxing rings’ that leave families broken and children traumatised.

Authorities say homes meant to be sanctuaries of peace are increasingly becoming sites of abuse, leaving victims trapped and children scarred.

The rise in intimate partner violence is fracturing families and creating lasting social wounds.

Men’s Ego Safe Haven executive director, Ms Berita Saranji, said both men and women are suffering, with many men choosing silence due to societal norms.

“Intimate partner violence is not only experienced by females. There are a lot of men suffering from domestic violence and, due to societal norms, they choose to keep quiet.

“We only come to know that a man was being abused after he had committed a crime against his partner,” she said.

She stressed that children are the biggest casualties.

“The impact on children who witness or experience domestic violence can be devastating. Children who grow up in abusive households are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges.

“They may also be more likely to engage in self‑destructive behaviours or become involved in abusive relationships themselves,” said Ms Saranji.

Ms Saranji added: “Breaking the cycle of abuse requires support, resources, and, most importantly, a willingness to seek help early. No one should suffer in silence.”

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, urged couples to resolve disputes peacefully and use family structures for mediation.

“Issues of domestic disputes are a concern to the police because some of them end up degenerating into violence. We encourage couples to utilise the family structure to have their problems solved.

“They should consult close relatives such as family elders, aunts, uncles, or parents for solutions to their challenges,” he said.

He added that police stations offer counselling and urged victims to report abuse.

“Any form of violence must be reported to the police, there is no trivial crime. People must not suffer in silence as they can be seriously injured or even killed by the people they stay with,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Marriage counsellor, Reverend Kennedy Makwenda, said couples should not remain in dangerous relationships.

“Divorce should be the last resort, however, I recommend it when the marriage becomes so damaged that it can never be repaired and there is no way the couple can be reconciled.

“When marriage is posing danger to one of the spouses or to both, to the extent that one or both could be badly injured or die, it is recommended that people can also divorce,” he said.

Authorities and counsellors agree that tackling domestic violence requires stronger prevention, accessible counselling, and robust reporting systems.

The message is clear: violence in the home is never acceptable, and victims must seek help before tragedy strikes.

-Manicapost