Zambia Police Victim Support Unit(VSU) has recorded a reduction in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases across the country during the third quarter of 2025, ahead of 16 days Activism against (GBV).
Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga disclosed that a total of 9,899 GBV cases were recorded between July and September this year, compared to 10,782 cases during the same period in 2024, representing 8.2 percent decline.
In a press statement today, Mr Hamoonga revealed that out of the total number of cases, 6,203 were criminal, while 3,696 were non-criminal, translating to 63 percent and 37 percent respectively.
He attributed the reduction to intensified community sensitization and policing efforts aimed at addressing gender-based violence.
Mr Hamoonga stated that Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of criminal GBV cases at 1,326 followed by Luapula with 857, and Western with 779.
“The Airport Division recorded the lowest number, with only 11 casesreported during the period under review.The report further indicated that a total of 7,581 adults and 2,318 children were victims of GBV,” he added.
“Out of these, 5,977 victims (79 percent) were women, while 1,604 (21 percent) were men, showing that women and girls remain the most affected groups. Among child victims, girls accounted for 74 percent of the cases, while boys made up 26 percent.”
Mr Hamoonga also said physical violence was the most reported form of abuse, accounting for 3,448 cases (35 percent) of these, 2,925 were Assaults Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH), representing 85 percent of all physical abuse cases.
Mr. Hamoonga observed that urban and peri-urban provinces continue to record higher GBV figures due to factors such as population density, social pressures, and improved access to reporting mechanisms.
He however, commended the reduction as a positive reflection of ongoing outreach and awareness campaigns.
Mr Hamoonga reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence through strict law enforcement, victim support, and partnerships with community and faith-based organizations.
He urged citizens to report any form of GBV and help build a peaceful, violence-free society.