Developing a ministry intervention for domestic violence among couples in Mabvuku Community, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Problem Couples in the Mabvuku Community frequently resorted to violence when faced with seemingly irreconcilable differences. Instead of amicably uniting and resolving together, facing the challenges as a combined force, some spouses blamed each other for the situation before them. In such disputes, domestic violence has often erupted. Many spouses seemed to be unable to resolve conflict amicably without resorting to violence. Others seemed unskilled enough to devise methods and strategies that were anti-violent. Spouses in Mabvuku seemed to have one antidote to family conflict—violence—like someone with only a hammer, treated every problem like a nail. Every week 10 to 12 instances of spousal violence were reported to the Mabvuku Police station. Furthermore, one-third of women have experienced physical violence from the age of 15 as documented in the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey of 2015.

Purpose of the Study The research project intended to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention program aimed at reducing domestic violence and promoting love, respect, unity, and harmony among couples in the Mabvuku Community. Methodology The research program began in June 2021 to October 2023. The population targeted were couples experiencing domestic violence in the Mabvuku Community. The spousal duration in marriage ranged from 0- 30 years. The researcher worked with 8 couples recommended by the Mabvuku Adventist Church board. These couples became the focus group that assisted in mobilizing other couples to attend Happy Home Ministry for spousal enrichment programs and later recruit couples experiencing domestic violence and victimizers for counseling. The researcher applied the Qualitative method for the study. Focus group questions played an important role in information gathering. Data was collected from focus group discussions, interviews, and observations. Enrichment spousal seminars were conducted. Counseling of domestic violence victims and victimizers was executed. Materials were distributed to participants and visitations and prayers were offered to those who requested. Results Data collected from Focus Group, interviews, and observations after examination revealed that physical violence appeared predominant in Mabvuku. 78% of the respondents placed physical violence as the number one vice that militates against spousal harmony. Men emerged as the main perpetrators of domestic violence since 88% of domestic violence emanated from men. All this emerged from poor communication which is reflected at 85% (table 7) as the chief source of spousal violence in Mabvuku Community. Conclusion Happy Home strategy, a response to domestic violence among couples sought to improve couples’ relationships by promoting love, respect, and harmony through spousal enrichment seminars and counseling of victims and abusers in the Mabvuku Community. The plan was successful. The research program effected inspired spouses to adapt positive interpersonal skills where love, respect, and harmony were cherished, and reconciliation pursued. Twenty couples whose spousal relationship had been ruined by domestic violence got reconciled. The Happy Home Ministry whose objective is to enhance spousal relationships through marriage seminars and counseling paid rich dividends at the end of seminars and marriage counseling sessions.