By CHILA NAMAIKO? –

THE Zambia Police has urged couples to always dialogue instead of engaging in confrontation leading to gender-based violence (GBV) as a way of resolving marital disputes.
Addressing scores of traders at Makalanguzu Market during a GBV education talk in Choma on Wednesday, chief inspector Beatrice Phiri said resolving marital disputes amicably was an essential component of fighting GBV.
Ms Phiri said there was no need for couples to engage into physical confrontation when there were many institutions that could help to offer tangible solutions to resolve domestic disputes.
“Cases such as assault are serious, if you have marital problems in your homes, talk to each other amicably as partners, if you need advice visit Victim Support Unit for more help,” she said.
The GBV sensitisation would be conducted in various markets and townships, as part of the activities agreed upon by SADC member countries through the Women Law Enforcement officers in the fight against GBV every month of November.
At the market, the female officers staged drama performances, dances and question and answer sessions to enlighten members of the public on GBV and its legal consequences.
Ms Phiri said that GBV cases such as assault by men against their wives were on the increase and it was important for communities to remain peaceful and embrace dialogue.
She urged children to also report to police any cases of abuse in their lives such as being sexually harassed and treated in an inappropriate manner.
She warned that Police would not tolerate parents who married off their children particularly the girl-child citing remote areas where such cases were prevalent.