An exploration on the role of faith based organisations in dealing with violence against women in Katanga, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Faith based organizations and particularly spirituality has shown potential to help individuals, families and communities heal. Despite this been little or no attention has been paid to how faith based organizations can empower and assist victims of domestic violence and even prevent this social ill particularly in Zimbabwe. This gave rise to the current study, which sought to explore the role of faith based organizations in dealing with domestic violence in Katanga Norton, Zimbabwe. More importantly, the study’s aim was to explore the role of faith based organizations in dealing with violence against women in Katanga, Zimbabwe. To meet the desired objectives, a qualitative research design was used. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Three sample groups were purposefully chosen. They included religious leaders and male and female congregants. The participants were members of three faith based organizations in Katanga. The leaders of the three faith based organizations purposefully chose key male and female informants from their organizations who were then included in the study. The information collected was recorded and then transcribed. After transcribing the information, a process of thematic analysis was implemented. All themes and sub-themes were derived from the collected information. The main themes emanating from the study were how participants defined domestic violence, its psychological effects, factors perpetuating violence, spirituality and spiritual interventions used by faith based organizations. The study discovered rich information concerning the influence of faith based organizations and spirituality in dealing with domestic violence and post stress trauma. Rich descriptive information revealed that group prayers held on Tuesday and Friday, therapeutic counselling, bible reading and religious teachings were activities used to enable healing and raise awareness about domestic violence. The study further discovered that financial abuse was more widespread and common in Katanga compared to physical abuse. Factors such as religion, cultural activities such as bride pricing (lobola) and patriarchy were the root cause of domestic violence. Based on the acquired information it was recommended that government institutions give consideration to the inclusion of faith based organizations in developing interventions levelled at dealing with and combatting domestic violence.