Experiences of Married Women about Domestic Violence in the Tourism Industry in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main aim of this paper was to examine the experiences of married women about domestic violence in the tourism industry in Zimbabwe. Domestic violence is a serious global health concern and a human rights violation that affects millions of people worldwide particularly women. Research estimates revealed that about 84% of married women had been subjected to at least one act of violence from a partner during their lifetime. Betty Neuman’s Systems Model was used to guide this study. Data were collected from a purposive sampling of one hundred and fifteen participants consisting of married women aged between 19 – 49, church leaders and traditional leaders. A qualitative descriptive survey collected data through key informant face to face interviews, semi – structured questionnaires and audio tapes. Thematic data analysis using Nvivo software package revealed that domestic violence requires the effort of everyone to be eradicated.The study findings revealed that married women are experiencing multiple forms of domestic violence, namely sexual abuse, social abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and spiritual abuse. It was concluded that religious leaders play a unique and vital role in response to and elimination of domestic violence. The study recommended that there is need for community members to honour the rights of every woman who experience domestic violence and the law should recognize the prevalence of domestic violence affecting married women so that corrective measures can be taken.