Experiences of Female Gender-Based Violence Survivors During the Covid-19 Induced Lockdown: Insights from Epworth, Zimbabwe

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to raise its ugly head in society, depriving people of their right to a safe and peaceful life. Women are not spared from this predicament despite numerous efforts by civil rights activists, governments and non-governmental organizations to minimize GBV and its impact. The Covid-19 induced lockdown promoted isolation and confinement in homes. Confinement to homes fostered tension and strain linked to financial, security and health problems; hence the lockdown became a perfect breeding environment for aggressive behavior. This study examined the experiences of female GBV survivors during Covid-19 induced lockdown in Epworth. The study used the descriptive research design to explore the nature of abuse and the effects of the experiences on GBV survivors during lockdown. Non-probability sampling was used to select the participants of this study through purposive sampling. Key-informants and GBV survivors constituted the sample which participated in the research. The findings revealed how over 50% of the female GBV survivors were exploited into having sex or performing sexual acts by their male partners during the restricted movements.