Women Breaks Silence On Abuse

A 34-year-old woman has broken her silence on the abuse she had to endure in her marriage while pregnant. The abuse had been going on for over two years until Panashe (not her real name) decided to put an end to the traumatic experience. Panashe ran away from their matrimonial home, traumatised and in fear of a miscarriage. Panashe sought refuge at Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) help desk covered with bruises and a swollen face from her husbandΓÇÖs beatings. Panashe reported that "I am six months pregnant, but he is beating me and abusing me emotionally. I had to run from our matrimonial home because I am now traumatised and afraid that I might have a miscarriage,ΓÇ¥ WLSA's legal team quickly responded and facilitated the arrest of her husband, who is a high-profile politician. Panashe was assisted in seeking a protection order through the Harare Civil Court, which was granted on the 5th of December, 2022, pending an assault trial.