Investigating social-cultural factors contributing to low reporting levels of gender-based violence cases
Abstract
Introduction: Gender-based violence remains a critical societal concern, characterized by both its prevalence and the challenge of underreporting. Understanding the social-cultural factors contributing to low reporting levels of GBV cases is essential for effective intervention. This qualitative case study aimed investigating the social-cultural factors that hinder the reporting of GBV cases within the context of Chibuluma compound in Zambia's Copperbelt Province. Materials and Methods: Employing qualitative methods, the study involved interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders including police officers, YWCA officials, and women residing in the compound. Results: The findings reveal a complex interplay of factors that contribute to low reporting levels of GBV cases. Economic dependency on spouses, cultural norms that tolerate violence, and lack of trust in the judicial system emerged as prominent barriers. Marital violence took various forms, including wife battery, abandonment, and infidelity Conclusion: The study highlights the necessity of collaborative efforts involving governmental agencies, non- governmental organizations, and international bodies to effectively address GBV. Recommendations include fostering women's economic empowerment, strengthening legal enforcement mechanisms, and challenging cultural norms that perpetuate violence. By uncovering the intricate socio-cultural dynamics contributing to underreporting, this research offers valuable insights for designing comprehensive strategies to combat gender-based violence in Chibuluma compound and beyond.All authors who submit their paper for publication will abide by following provisions of the copyright transfer: 1. The copyright of the paper rests with the authors. And they are transferring the copyright to publish the article and used the article for indexing and storing for public use with due reference to published matter in the name of concerned authors. 2. The authors reserve all proprietary rights such as patent rights and the right to use all or part of the article in future works of their own such as lectures, press releases, and reviews of textbooks. 3. In the case of republication of the whole, part, or parts thereof, in periodicals or reprint publications by a third party, written permission must be obtained from the Managing Editor of JPRM. 4. The authors declare that the material being presented by them in this paper is their original work, and does not contain or include material taken from other copyrighted sources. Wherever such material has been included, it has been clearly indented or/and identified by quotation marks and due and proper acknowledgements given by citing the source at appropriate places. 5. The paper, the final version of which they submit, is not substantially the same as any that they had already published elsewhere. 6. They declare that they have not sent the paper or any paper substantially the same as the submitted one, for publication anywhere else. 7. Furthermore, the author may only post his/her version provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication in this journal and a link is inserted wherever published. 8. All contents, Parts, written matters, publications are under copyright act taken by JPRM. 9. Published articles will be available for use by scholars and researchers. 10. IJPRM is not responsible in any type of claim on publication in our Journal. .