The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has called on religious leaders and communities to speak out against intimate partner violence, warning that religious and cultural beliefs should never be used to justify abuse or force survivors to remain in violent relationships.
In a statement issued on October 10, 2026, the ZCC endorsed the Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s (ZGC) 90 Days Campaign Against Intimate Partner Violence, which runs from October to December and culminates in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The council expressed concern over persistent cases of intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe, including incidents that result in serious injuries and loss of life.
Citing national survey data, the ZCC said about 40% of women aged between 15 and 49 had experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.
The council said intimate partner violence, whether physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or economic, violated human dignity and contradicted Christian teachings on love and respect.
“Intimate partner violence, whether physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or economic, violates this God-given dignity and contradicts the Christian calling to love one another,” the council said.
It urged churches and faith communities to challenge harmful gender norms and reject interpretations of scripture and cultural practices that normalise abuse, demand silence from survivors or encourage them to endure violence to preserve marriages and family unity.
The ZCC said the church had a responsibility to go beyond preaching peace within families by confronting the inequalities and injustices that perpetuate violence.
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“The church cannot remain silent where violence persists, nor preach love without confronting practices that are denying others their humanity,” the statement read.
The council called on its member churches, faith leaders, women, men and young people to speak out against intimate partner violence and promote relationships based on mutual respect, equality and peace.
It also urged churches to provide safe spaces where survivors could be heard, believed, supported and connected to appropriate services.
The ZCC further called for the active involvement of men in challenging harmful forms of masculinity and promoting non-violent, caring and accountable relationships.
Faith communities were encouraged to translate their teachings into practical action through dialogue, pastoral care, education and community mobilisation.
The council commended the ZGC for launching the campaign and pledged to work with national institutions, civil society organisations and communities to build a society where everyone could live free from violence and fear.
The campaign comes amid continuing efforts to address gender-based violence and strengthen community responses to abuse in intimate relationships.
The ZCC said marriage and family life should never come at the expense of an individual's safety, reinforcing the need for collective action to ensure that homes and communities are places of protection rather than violence.
