THE increase in the number of gender-based violence (GBV) cases in Zambia is a cause for concern and a wake-up call by gender activists for more sensitisation on the phenomenon.
According to latest statistics from the Zambia police, 12,988 cases of GBV have so far been recorded in the third quarter of this year compared to 9,775 in the last quarter of 2013, showing an increase of about 3,312.
These statistics should be worrying. However, it is pleasing to hear experts saying that the figures are also an indication that people are being sensitised and are now coming out to report such cases.
This is confirmed by Victim Support Unit (VSU) national coordinator Tresphored Kasale who says that people are coming out to report cases which were initially being concealed in homes.
There has indeed been an increase in a number of defilements being reported countrywide, just as there is an increase in the number of reported cases of child negligence and spouse abuse.
Equally encouraging because spouse abuse in particular had for a long time in Zambia been considered to be a private issue between spouses which needed to be confined to the bedrooms.
In fact, even tradition to some extent promoted this kind of abuse.
However, that there are more reports of spouse abuse shows that this is no longer a matter between spouses.
This gives hope that soon, Zambia will make progress in rooting out the vice. The appeal, however, to the menfolk is that they also should feel free and report GBV cases against them.
It has been noted that some men feel shy reporting to relevant authorities whenever they are battered by their wives, but what these men should know is that they are equally human, just like women, and their abuse is an infringement of their rights.
In fact, police acting spokesperson Esther Katongo last week called on more men to come out and report GBV cases.
Generally, it is encouraging that people are coming out to report all kinds of abuse against them or their neighbours. Gender activists should continue with their sensitisation if this evil called GBV is to be wiped off the face of the earth.