In Zambia, beatings and abuse within marriage is considered to be the norm, and shockingly, some argue that it is even desirable. Under Zambian law, domestic violence is already recognised to be a crime, but there are new efforts to increase prosecutions of abusive husbands and the police service is operating a victim support unit, encouraging women to give evidence and press charges. This unit works closely with the country’s first “safe house”, a refuge run by the Young Women’s Christian Association. Caroline Swinburne reports from Zambia and finds that even when a few, lucky women do find their way to temporary safety, it’s far more difficult to provide them with any longer term alternatives. |
