Violence against wives : a crime 'sui generis'

Abstract

Although most people "like to think of the family as the abode of love; a safe retreat where any member of the family is sure of support and protection; of grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and children as a closely - linked network of individuals who will stand united in the face of a threat, the reality is rather different". With specific reference to the problem of violence against wives within the Zimbabwean context it has been said: "Everybody knows it exists. Everybody knows there is a great deal of it. But nobody knows its extent. There are no figures." It can be reasonably assumed that victims of this violence want to be protected from their husbands. This article examines the legal provisions governing violence against wives, their adequacy, appropriateness and as well as their current implementation.