The Impact of Gender-Based Violence on Children: A Case Study of Mbare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive social problem with devastating consequences for children who witness or experience such violence in their homes and communities. This study examined the impact of GBV on children in Mbare, a high-density suburb of Harare, Zimbabwe. Framed within Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological systems theory, the research conceptualized GBV as a multi-level phenomenon shaped by individual, relational, community, and societal factors. The study was guided by four hypotheses: (1) GBV exposure is significantly prevalent among children in Mbare; (2) children are exposed to multiple co-occurring forms of violence; (3) GBV exposure is significantly associated with negative psychological and emotional outcomes; and (4) GBV exposure significantly predicts diminished academic performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed. A purposive sample of 78 children aged 8–15 years was drawn from the Mbare community. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. The study found that all sampled children reported exposure to or witnessing of GBV, with significant negative associations documented between GBV exposure and emotional wellbeing (fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and helplessness) and academic performance (concentration difficulties and grade deterioration). Multiple regression analysis identified GBV exposure frequency, fear/anxiety scores, and helplessness as significant predictors of academic performance decline. The research calls for strengthening child protection mechanisms, implementing school-based psychosocial support services, and comprehensive community awareness campaigns to prevent GBV and support affected children in Zimbabwe.