Violence Against Women
ZANZIBAR'S one-stop-centre at Mnazi-Mmoja Referral Hospital had more than 900 reported cases of gender violence between 2012 and 2013, officers at the centre said.
"We had 924 cases of abuse dealt with at the centre. These included defilement, rape, unsafe sex, beating and child pregnancy," said Ms Fatma Ali Haji, coordinator of the centre.
She said the number of reported cases at the centre established in 2011 indicates continued abuse of children and women in the islands.
The centre is part of continued efforts to respond to and prevent violence against children and women. Victims of violence are supposed to get prompt help including treatment, psychological help and legal aid. Unfortunately the centres are still short of skilled personnel.
Victims, in most cases accompanied by their relatives, visit the centres for help including to check whether the private part of a girl or boy has been penetrated and damaged.
"We have huge workload, but still many people/victims cannot access the one-stop-centre," said Ms Haji. Other new centres are Kivunge in Unguja North and Chakechake in South Pemba.
A recent study by the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) revealed that access to legal aid such as police stations and courts are a problem, which hamper the fight against gender violence as perpetrators easily walk free because of lack of evidence including absence of witnesses.