An evaluation of police effectiveness in dealing with domestic violence cases. A survey of Rushinga for the period extending from January 2014 to December 2015
- Author
- Special Gombarume
- Title
- An evaluation of police effectiveness in dealing with domestic violence cases. A survey of Rushinga for the period extending from January 2014 to December 2015
- Abstract
-
There is a rise in domestic violence cases in Rushinga despite the fact that Victim Friendly Units within the Zimbabwe Republic Police established to professionally deal with domestic violence cases in a friendly environment. The study investigated Rushinga people who had experienced domestic violence as victims or as investigators with a view of evaluating police effectiveness when handling domestic violence cases. The purpose of the study was to examine causes of domestic violence, approaches commonly used by police, explore factors that hinder police effectiveness and possible ways to enhance police effectiveness. A descriptive survey design was used. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to gather required data. Data was collected using questionnaires, structured interviews and participant observations, from 52 participants comprising of 35 victims, 15 police officers and 2 public prosecutors who were selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Data was analysed using tables, figures, graphs, texts and by coding
according to themes. Participants viewed economic hardships, exposure to violence, controlling and dominant personality and ineffective deterrent measures as major
causes of domestic violence. It emerged that police commonly use arrests, counselling and referrals as approaches to handle domestic violence cases. It was concluded that police had limited effectiveness because of limited resources, lack of regular training, societal beliefs and ineffective collaboration and coordination between domestic violence stakeholders. Recommendations made were that all domestic violence
stakeholders must cooperatively work together, police ought to be adequately resourced and frequently trained and the public must be educated about domestic violence to enhance police effectiveness in handling domestic violence cases. Further studies are recommended to investigate effects of mandatory and non-drop policies in fighting domestic violence. - Date
- 2016
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Rushinga
- Domestic violence
- Supervisor
- N/A
- Media
-
Gombarume Special.pdf