The Zambia Police Service has released troubling new statistics indicating a sharp increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the first quarter of 2025. A total of 11,177 cases were recorded across the country between January and March, representing a 15.2% rise compared to 9,700 cases reported during the same period in 2024.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the figures are “alarming,” with women and children being the most affected demographics. The report paints a grim picture of a persistent and growing challenge that continues to impact households and communities nationwide.
Criminal vs Non-Criminal Cases
Out of the total cases reported:
- 7,170 cases (64%) were classified as criminal, including assaults, sexual abuse, defilement, and spousal battery.
- 4,007 cases (36%) fell under the non-criminal category, typically involving emotional abuse, threats, and neglect that do not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution but still pose serious harm to victims.
Hamoonga noted that the increase underscores the urgent need for multi-sectoral interventions. “These statistics are a call to action. We must enhance prevention efforts, strengthen support systems for survivors, and ensure that justice mechanisms are responsive and accessible,” he said.
Women and Children at Greater Risk
The report highlighted a disturbing trend: the majority of victims were women and children, a pattern consistent with previous years. In many cases, the perpetrators were intimate partners or close family members, reflecting the domestic nature of most GBV incidents.
Experts say this spike could be attributed to a combination of factors, including economic pressure, cultural norms, and limited access to protective services. Increased public awareness and improved reporting mechanisms may also have contributed to the higher numbers.
Government and Civil Society Response
In response to the report, several civil society organizations have renewed calls for increased funding for GBV shelters, faster case processing in courts, and nationwide education campaigns targeting both men and women.
The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services recently reiterated its commitment to combating GBV, pledging to work closely with police, the judiciary, and non-governmental organizations to address both prevention and survivor support.
Calls for Action
As GBV continues to rise, experts argue that a coordinated, long-term strategy is needed—one that includes education, law enforcement, community engagement, and rehabilitation of offenders.
“The statistics reflect more than numbers—they represent real people whose lives are being shattered,” said a spokesperson for a Lusaka-based women’s rights organization. “It’s time to move beyond statements and implement lasting, community-based solutions.”
The Road Ahead
With the second quarter of 2025 now underway, the spotlight is on how Zambia responds to these troubling trends. Police have pledged to intensify community policing efforts and provide additional training for officers handling GBV cases.
As the nation grapples with this ongoing crisis, one thing is clear: addressing gender-based violence must be a national priority. From the courts to classrooms, from homes to health centers, every sector has a role to play in ensuring that no Zambian lives in fear or silence.