New policy to curb gender-based violence in Tanzania

Summary of story from The Citizen, December 18, 2011

Victims of gender-based violence in Tanzania will now be able to seek medical attention before filing a police form (PF3), according to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

New policy guidelines launched on Friday are aimed at reducing the prevalence of gender-based violence in Tanzania.

Research from the Ministry for Health and Social Welfare has revealed that 45 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 have been victims of domestic violence.

In addition, 75 per cent of children experience physical abuse at the hands of family or authority figures before they are 18 years old.

Yet only 40 per cent of victims report the violence.

Dr Lucy Nky, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare, said the new policy will help preserve evidence for police investigations as well as saving lives.

“From this moment there would be no need for GBV victims to seek PF3 to go to the health centres, all victims will be allowed to get treatment first and the Police procedures will follow later.”

USAID mission director, Robert Cunnane, applauded the new policy but also called for the government to adopt more serious measures to protect Tanzania’s women and girls.