The Wider Vision of Social Policy: Exploring the Ways of Curbing Violence against Women in Four Wards of Shamva North Constituency (Zimbabwe)

Abstract

The researchers sought to discover the forms and depths of violence against women, and to analyse the current responses to the violence in Shamva North constituency in Zimbabwe. Prevent violence against women through in-depth understanding of such violence and the analysis of the current responses in the 4 wards was the overall aim of the study. This aim emanated from the view that violence against women is enduring despite the existence of national policies, regional and international frameworks and platforms for action against violence on women. Four wards of the constituency were selected for the study. These are Wards 7, 10, 18 and 29. A mixed methods research design was applied because the problem has both qualitative and quantitative aspects. The results of the study indicate that women are the main victims of various forms of violence in the four wards. Violence against women is rooted in the social structures and relations of the wards. The results of the study show that the current responses to violence against women are inadequate in both scope and rigour. There is need therefore to widen the scope and depth of the responses to enhance effectiveness. A successful response to violence against women is a vital instrument of social policy and human development.