Gender-based violence
It is not your fault, and you are not alone.
Gender-based violence is any harm done to someone because of their gender, or within a relationship or family. It happens to women, men and children, in every community. This page explains what it looks like, how to help someone, and where to get help.
In danger right now?
Call 995 and ask for the Victim Friendly Unit, or call the national GBV line on 575. If you need to leave this page fast, press Quick exit.
What gender-based violence looks like
Physical abuse
Hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, burning, or threatening you with a weapon.
Sexual abuse
Any sexual act you did not freely agree to, including by a partner or spouse. Being pressured, tricked or too drunk to agree is not consent.
Emotional abuse
Insults, humiliation, threats, constant jealousy, cutting you off from friends and family, or making you feel you are going mad.
Economic abuse
Taking your money, stopping you from working or studying, or making you ask permission for everything you need.
Online abuse
Tracking your phone, reading your messages, sharing or threatening to share private photos, or harassing you on social media.
Warning signs
In your own relationship or home
- You feel afraid of how they will react, and change what you do to avoid it.
- They check your phone, control who you see, or decide where you can go.
- They blame you for their anger, or say no one else would want you.
- You have been hurt, forced, or threatened, even once.
In a friend
- They seem anxious, withdrawn, or afraid of their partner or a family member.
- They have injuries they explain away, or cover up.
- They have stopped seeing friends, or always have to check in before doing anything.
- They seem to have no money of their own, or no say over it.
How to help a friend
- 1Listen and believe them. Most survivors are not believed the first time they speak. Being believed matters more than any advice.
- 2Tell them it is not their fault. Nothing they did or wore caused it. The person who chose violence is responsible.
- 3Don’t push them to leave or to confront anyone. Leaving can be the most dangerous time. Let them decide, at their own pace.
- 4Help them find support. Share the numbers on this page, or offer to sit with them while they call.
- 5Keep it private. Don’t tell others without their agreement, unless someone is in immediate danger.
Your rights
Zimbabwe’s Domestic Violence Act [Chapter 5:16] protects anyone abused by a partner, spouse, relative or someone they live with, including physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse.
You can apply for a protection order at the magistrates court, which orders the abuser to stay away and stop the abuse. A police officer, counsellor, relative or neighbour can apply on your behalf.
You can report at any police station and ask for the Victim Friendly Unit. Musasa Project can help you with the process for free.
After sexual violence
Get to a clinic or hospital within 72 hours if you can. Medicine to prevent HIV (PEP) and emergency contraception only work within that time, and both are free at government hospitals, clinics and the Adult Rape Clinic.
If you can, go before washing or changing clothes, because it helps with evidence. If you already have, still go. It is never too late to get care or to talk to someone.
Staying safe on your phone
- If someone checks your phone, use a private or incognito browser tab, or a phone they don’t have access to.
- The Quick exit button leaves this page at once and hides it from the Back button.
- Consider saving helpline numbers under a different name.
- PTAL never shows your real name. You can share and ask for help anonymously.
Where to get help
National GBV Call Centre
575Toll-free national line for anyone affected by gender-based violence. Works with Musasa and the Victim Friendly Unit.
Toll-free
Musasa Project
08080074Counselling, shelter and legal support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Toll-free, 24 hours · WhatsApp 0775 442 300
Adult Rape Clinic (Parirenyatwa, Harare)
08080472Free medical care, counselling and forensic examination after rape or sexual assault.
Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm. After hours, go to Casualty at Parirenyatwa or Harare Hospital. · WhatsApp 0775 672 770
Zimbabwe Republic Police, Victim Friendly Unit
995Police emergency line. At any police station you can ask for the Victim Friendly Unit, who handle domestic and sexual violence and can take your report privately.
24 hours
Numbers last checked October 2026. If a line doesn’t connect, try another on this list.