Psychology body calls for evidence-based approach to combat child abuse, as 2,666 reported as victims in Q4, 2024

The Psychology Association of Zambia (PAZ) has urged the government and stakeholders to adopt evidence-based behavioural strategies in addressing child abuse and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

This followed police data indicating that 2,666 children were victims of GBV in the fourth quarter of 2024, accounting for 21.5 percent of all reported cases.

PAZ Publicity Secretary, Henry Mwanza, in a statement issued Tuesday, expressed concern over the rising cases of child-related abuse and GBV, calling it a national crisis that required proactive solutions.

“As a nation, we must move beyond reactionary measures and build a robust system that tackles root causes, rehabilitates offenders, and strengthens victim support structures,” Mwanza said.

He stressed the need for evidence-based interventions over emotional responses, noting that punitive measures alone were insufficient to deter perpetrators.

Read More: Gender-based violence rises to 42,965 cases in 2023, against 33,536 in 2022, Police records show

Instead, he advocated for a blend of legal enforcement, rehabilitation, and counselling within correctional facilities.

Mwanza further recommended increased funding for prevention and response programmes through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, as well as improved access to safe houses, legal aid, and psychological support for victims.

He also called for systematic data collection to track violence trends and assess intervention effectiveness, ensuring informed policy adjustments.

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