THE Zambia Police Service has raised concern over the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country after it recorded 10,170 cases during the second quarter of 2025.
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According to statistics released by the Police through the Victim Support Unit (VSU), the cases were recorded between April and June this year, showing an increase of 852 cases, or 8.4 percent, compared to 9,318 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that of the 10,170 cases, 6,180 were criminal in nature, while 3,990 were non-criminal disputes, including marital disagreements and family-related misunderstandings.
Hamoonga said the figures reflected deep-rooted social, cultural and economic challenges that continue to affect vulnerable members of society, especially women and children.
“The total number of cases recorded represents an increase of 852 cases compared to the second quarter of 2024,” Hamoonga stated
A closer look at the data shows that 2,546 children, representing 25 percent of the total cases, were victims of GBV, while 7,624 were adults, out of which 6,266 were women and 1,358 were men.
During the period under review, physical abuse was the most commonly reported form of GBV, accounting for 3,382 cases, of which 2,793 were cases of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH).
The police also recorded 29 murder cases, a slight reduction from 36 in the second quarter of 2024, along with six cases of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and one attempted murder.
Authorities have since called on the public, traditional leaders, churches, civil society organisations and the media to help in fighting the GBV scourge.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 25, 2025
