Sexual and gender-based violence and its effects on married women: A case of Ngombe compound in Lusaka district

Sexual and gender-based violence is not only a pervasive and extensive worldwide problem but also a human rights violation. This fact is acknowledged by the UN. This study was conducted from September to November 2013 in Ngombe Compound which is an unplanned settlement in Lusaka City of Zambia. Ngombe
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence while establishing the available range of restorative services in order to improve on them. The study employed a mixed method research design which combined both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Results showed that sexual and gender-based violence manifests in physical, economical, sexual and emotional forms. Sexual abuses identified by women in their households include marital rape, rape, defilement and incest.
The causes and factors of violence identified include alcohol abuse, peer pressure, financial misunderstanding, jealousy, bride price, biased laws and above all, traditions issues. Interestingly, the lack of water and lack of a bridge in the Compound promoted violence as women and girls were raped while looking for water and when crossing a stream in the early and late hours of the day. There are inadequate services for restoration of SGBV survivors with only one Drop-in Centre At Ngombe Health Centre.
In conclusion, SGBV is real and rampant but intervention programmes are inadequate. In view of this, 4 recommendations were made: 1. Relevant authorities should control use and sale of alcohol in illegal bars. 2. Violence survivors should be thoroughly screened of STIs and the HIV virus. 3. Health personnel attending to violence survivors should undergo some kind of training in SGBV issues. 4. Drop-in-centres should be improved by including a police post, legal clinic and tight security in addition to the usual counselling centre.