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Published on 2024-02-14 22:25:12
the debate on gender-based violence, Minister Mutsvangwa said there was need for a holistic approach in dealing with the issue. She said the setting up of special courts to deal with sexual offences would go a long way in ensuring that justice is swiftly served to the victims.
The move would also instill confidence in the victims to come forward and report cases of sexual violence, as they would be assured that their cases would be handled with utmost priority. “Setting up special courts to deal with sexual offences is crucial in ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book expeditiously. This will also give confidence to victims to come forward and report such cases, knowing that justice will be served promptly,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also reiterated the need for stiffer penalties for perpetrators of sexual offences, saying the current penalties were not deterrent enough. She said there was need for Parliament to expedite the alignment of laws with the Constitution, particularly those that deal with sexual offences, to ensure that perpetrators face stiffer penalties when found guilty.
“We need to look at our laws and ensure that they are in line with the Constitution, particularly in dealing with sexual offences. The current penalties are not deterrent enough and there is need for them to be reviewed upwards,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa’s remarks come at a time when cases of sexual offences are on the rise in the country. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with many victims being forced to stay at home with their abusers due to lockdown measures.
The Minister’s call for special courts to deal with sexual offences has been welcomed by various stakeholders who believe that it would go a long way in addressing the issue. Women’s rights activists have also called for the establishment of special courts to deal with gender-based violence, saying that it would ensure timely justice for the victims.
“Special courts dedicated to dealing with sexual offences are a step in the right direction. This will ensure that these cases are given the attention they deserve and justice is served in a timely manner. It will also encourage more victims to come forward and report cases of sexual violence,” said one women’s rights activist.
In addition to setting up special courts to deal with sexual offences, Minister Mutsvangwa also highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence. She said there was need for the establishment of more shelters and support services for victims to access when they report cases of sexual violence.
“Creating safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence is crucial in ensuring that they are protected and supported when they come forward to report cases. We need to have more shelters and support services for them to access when they report these cases,” she said.
In conclusion, Minister Mutsvangwa’s call for the establishment of special courts to deal with sexual offences is a positive step towards addressing the issue of gender-based violence in the country. The move would ensure that cases of sexual violence are dealt with expeditiously, and perpetrators are brought to book swiftly. It would also give confidence to victims to come forward and report cases, knowing that their cases would be given priority and justice would be served promptly. It is important for Parliament to expedite the alignment of laws with the Constitution, particularly those that deal with sexual offences, to ensure that perpetrators face stiffer penalties when found guilty. The establishment of safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence is also crucial in ensuring that they are protected and supported when they come forward to report cases.
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