“Respect and Dignity Key to Tackling Gender-Based Violence”

 By Daily News Reporter

 

When Judith (not her real name) walked into the Victim Support Unit in Lusaka, she carried more than the weight of her trauma. She carried fear — fear of being judged, dismissed, or retraumatized by the very system meant to protect her.

Judith’s case of sexual violence was complex, involving both physical harm and emotional distress. For years, survivors like her often faced secondary trauma during investigations, where insensitive questioning or lack of support compounded their suffering.

But this time was different. The officers she met had recently undergone survivor-centered training. They listened with compassion, ensured her privacy, and explained each step of the process. Forensic evidence was carefully preserved, and she was guided through counselling and legal support.

The difference was palpable. Judith described feeling “seen and respected” — a stark contrast to the silence and stigma survivors often endure.

This case illustrates the transformative power of survivor-centered policing. By treating survivors with dignity and compassion, investigators not only strengthen trust in the justice system but also improve the chances of successful prosecution.

With ongoing training supported by international partners, Zambia Police are working to embed professionalism and empathy into their handling of SGBV cases. For survivors like Judith, this shift represents more than justice — it represents healing, resilience, and hope.

Meanwhile at Le Elementos Hotel in Lusaka, a group of police officers sat in anticipation as a new kind of training began — one designed not just to sharpen investigative skills, but to transform the way survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are treated in the justice system.

And Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, represented by Commissioner Joseph Shanampota, opened the course with a clear message: survivors must be met with respect, dignity, and compassion. His words resonated deeply, acknowledging that while policing is about evidence and enforcement, it is also about humanity.

Mr. Musamba reminded officers that SGBV remains a serious threat to the safety and rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups. He urged investigators to uphold integrity and professionalism, ensuring efficiency at every stage of the justice process. “Survivors must never feel abandoned by the system meant to protect them,” he emphasized.

The training, tailored to international standards, is designed to equip officers with survivor-centred interviewing techniques, forensic evidence preservation skills, and the ability to maintain high professional standards in both domestic and peacekeeping contexts.

British Peace Support Team Africa’s Senior Police Advisor, General Zakia Husseein, also highlighted the complexity of SGBV cases, noting that they demand approaches beyond conventional policing. She acknowledged the challenges facing Zambia’s Victim Support Unit (VSU), but expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance its capacity.

Speaking at the same meeting Victim Support Unit Assistant Director, Ms. Gloria Mubita, added that the impact of the training would extend far beyond the workshop. “This is about embedding professionalism and compassion into the DNA of the Zambia Police Service,” she said.

For survivors, the justice process can often feel daunting and retraumatizing. By placing dignity and respect at the center of investigations, the Zambia Police Service is signaling a shift toward a more empathetic and effective approach.

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