Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, has unveiled a national call centre in the country to provide gender-based violence (GBV) victims and survivors with a solid care package and response service in the wake of a surge in domestic violence cases.
A brainchild of the First Lady, the helpline is an initiative with which she wishes to fulfil her pledge of playing a significant role in curbing domestic violence. The toll-free number attached to it is 575 and when victims call, they will be swiftly connected to the police Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) or counselling services as appropriate.
The call centre is presently operational following its institution by the First lady with callers getting required assistance from agents who linked them to various service providers. It is a laudable initiative given it is a development that comes amid worrying statistics that showed an increase in reported GBV cases, including psychological, physical, sexual, and all other forms of domestic violence.
The First Lady noted that it was her wish to see victims and survivors of gender-based violence being assisted with services that would aid them in their circumstances.
“We saw it fit rope in other service providers and have a coordinated approach in fighting GBV. There are services that the National call centre 575 cannot provide to victims, but which are available to other stakeholders. The callers are referred to relevant service providers. I strongly urge people going through difficulties in their marriages to seek counselling and solve their problems without using violence. Violence in the home does not augur well for our young children. We must never use violence because it gets us nowhere. Violence in all its forms must be condemned” she said.
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