From time immemorial the principle of justice has been a pillar and inspiration of codes of conducts, policies, legal decisions. It has shaped human relations, their present, future and defines how far a person can go in life. Where justice has been violated many have been wounded, lost hope, depressed and some eventually commit suicide.
This article is meant to raise awareness on the importance of reporting abuse as well as the dangers and effects of not reporting.
What is abuse? – This is any behaviour that harms, mistreats, and /or exposes any person to physical, psychological, cruel, inhuman treatment. It takes different various forms including but not limited to physical, emotional, verbal psychological, sexual, neglect and harassment (Oxford Dictionary).
Who can be abused – Everyone can be a victim of abuse however children, persons with disabilities, the elderly are more vulnerable to abuse.
Who can be a perpetrator? – Close friends and relatives have proved to be the highest abusers. The explanation is that they take advantage of the trust they obtain from the families and friends of the survivors. According to UNICEF Baseline Report Zimbabwe 2025, it is that close relationship between the perpetrator and the families that makes reporting difficult.
Reasons for not reporting-? Fear of manifestation of threats and intimidations by the abuser, lack of courage to report, fear of victimisation and stigma, Lack of knowledge of where to report abuse and lack of community and family support to report abuse.
What should we do to prevent OR Report an Act of Abuse?
- Continuously raise awareness on abuse so that church and community members can understand and identify abuse.
- Talk about it at family level -Before it happens
- Talk about it after it happens for the sake of justice and total healing of the survivor
- Report to the nearest police, or on our toll-free number 08080551/08080553
- Walk into the office of the connexional Safeguarding officer- MeDRA department.
- Report to the District/circuit, Bishop/Minister, visit community social worker society safeguarding and gender coordinator or the Christian Social Responsibility coordinator, chief or headman (The list is long. Please note that reporting can be done to any trusted person excluding the perpetrator. You can use more than one platform – Break the silence report abuse!
What about the survivor?
It is important to take care of the survivor, and this can be done in the following ways:
- Facilitating for medical examination for timeous treatment – Remember 72 HOUR RULE for sexual abuse cases, don’t delay!
- Facilitating for counselling services
- Movement to a safe environment -The department of social development can assist on this OR Dial toll free above
What support can be given to family members?
More often reporting of cases can cause conflict and division in families therefore there is need to engage families to restore and build relations. This is a process! Various stakeholders can lead this from both church and community level Dial toll free for that support!
By Revd J. Paradza
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