Story by Courage Bushe
GOVERNMENT has commissioned Zvishavane District’s first safe house for survivors of gender-based and sexual violence, marking a significant step in efforts to strengthen protection and support services for vulnerable women and girls.
The facility, established through a partnership with the Bethany Project, will provide shelter, protection and psychosocial support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), a challenge that continues to affect communities across the country.
For many residents, the safe house represents a long-awaited refuge for those escaping abuse and seeking assistance.
“This is a good initiative for our community because it is the first one in Zvishavane, and we are grateful to those who put their hand in this. Let us work together to protect GBV survivors and ensure that no one suffers in silence,” a community member said.
Another resident urged the community to make full use of the facility and support referral systems for survivors.
“Let us use this Safe House for its intended purpose and ensure cases are referred to the relevant offices for proper support. We appreciate the partnership with Bethany Project. We look forward to working together to reduce GBV cases within our community,” the resident said.
Bethany Project Director, Mrs Rebecca Gumbo, said the absence of safe spaces had often forced women to remain trapped in abusive situations.
“Women used to keep quiet because they had nowhere to go, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked. We feared being accused of breaking marriages by taking them in,” she said.
Government officials welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important addition to efforts aimed at preventing and responding to GBV.
Zvishavane District Development Coordinator, Mr Darlington Chokera said the facility would provide survivors with access to vital information and services.
“I am confident that the Bethany Safe House, which provides a safe space for women and girls to interact, will ensure the inmates access information on their rights, including provision of gender-based violence prevention information. I also appreciate the GBV response services such as psycho-social support and financial resources,” he said.
The commissioning of the safe house is expected to strengthen community-based responses to gender-based violence and improve access to support services for survivors.
With the facility now operational, survivors in Zvishavane have a dedicated place of safety, offering renewed hope and a pathway towards recovery and empowerment.
