Group cautions against using results of DNA tests as excuse for gender-based violence

The Zambia National Men’s Network for Gender (ZNMNGD) and Development says the DNA laboratory services which are being offered at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital should not be abused as this has the potential to cause Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Government had recently opened the forensic DNA Laboratory at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital in Lusaka.

Network National Coordinator, Nelson Banda, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday advised that the services should only be sought where there is genuine parentage dispute.

He said the results from DNA tests should not lead to GBV but should promote peaceful settlement of parentage disputes in families. More importantly, he said it should be used to convict perpetrators of sexual crimes.

“We want to caution men who are in the habit of denying responsibility for pregnancies that their days are numbered as the DNA laboratory will expose them, similarly women who deliberately falsify the parentage of their babies will be found out,” Banda said.

He said the DNA facility will also discourage men and women from getting involved in multiple sexual relationships because this can be proved if there a pregnancy.

“We feel the laboratory has come at the right time when the country is witnessing a rise in GBV cases related to parentage disputes. Men are usually at the Centre of sexual crimes going by statistics from Zambia Police,” Banda said.