BY NALEDI DUBE
Traditional leaders in Chivi have raised concern over the growing link between drug and substance abuse and gender-based violence (GBV), with Chief Chivi, born Adeline Mausa, saying substance abuse is increasingly contributing to domestic conflicts and family breakdowns in her area.
Chief Chivi said she receives a number of cases involving divorce and family disputes, with drug and substance abuse emerging as a common factor.
“I receive most cases of divorces because of drug and substance abuse. We are seeing substance abuse contributing to conflicts in families and increasing cases of gender-based violence,” said Chief Chivi.
She called on headmen and village heads to take an active role in raising awareness about GBV during community meetings and traditional courts.
Chief Chivi said traditional leaders are strategically positioned to educate communities on the causes and consequences of GBV and encourage families to seek help before conflicts escalate.
“I urge headmen and village heads to give awareness in their courts so that we can end gender-based violence. We need to take measures against GBV and ensure that communities understand that violence is not acceptable,” she said.
She also called for women to be economically empowered through programmes such as Village Business Units (VBUs), saying financial challenges can contribute to tensions within households.
“Women should be empowered through empowerment programmes such as VBUs. Financial constraints are also contributors to conflicts in families, so empowering women can help them become financially independent,” Chief Chivi said.
Chief Chivi further called for closer collaboration between traditional leaders and the police’s Victim Friendly Unit (VFU), noting that the police play a major role in responding to GBV cases and supporting victims.
“We need to work together with the Victim Friendly Unit because the police play a major role in dealing with gender-based violence. Traditional leaders should work closely with the police to ensure that victims are protected and receive the support they need,” she said.
The traditional leader also urged parents to protect children from exposure to domestic conflicts, saying witnessing violence at home can negatively affect children.
“Parents should stop fighting in front of their children. They need counselling so that they can resolve their differences peacefully and protect their children from the effects of family conflicts,” she said.
Chief Chivi said ending GBV requires a collective effort involving traditional leaders, families, communities, the police and other stakeholders, particularly in addressing substance abuse and economic challenges that can fuel domestic violence.