A Quarantine Paradox: Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Post-COVID-19 Era: Insights from Golden Valley Mining Community, Zimbabwe

A Quarantine Paradox: Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Post-COVID-19 Era: Insights from Golden Valley Mining Community, Zimbabwe | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article A Quarantine Paradox: Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Post-COVID-19 Era: Insights from Golden Valley Mining Community, Zimbabwe Everjoy Magwegwe This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996582/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Oct, 2024 Read the published version in BMC Public Health → Version 1 posted 4 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges globally, with a notable surge in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents. This descriptive, exploratory study conducted in the Golden Valley mining community in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, delves into the challenges faced by GBV survivors during and after the pandemic, alongside community perceptions of GBV in the post-COVID-19 era. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's Social-Ecological Model which offers insights into the various levels of influence on GBV behavior and experiences,aiding in the development of contextually relevant prevention strategies. The study used qualitative methods such as interviews and focus group discussions,There were 24 study participant classified by random and convenient sampling techniques including Traditional and community leaders, gbv surviours medical personnel and male and female, community members. The research followed the COREQ guidelines to transparently document the research process and findings. The research sheds light on the multifaceted nature of GBV exacerbated by societal norms and economic instability in a low-income, masculine-dominated work culture. Findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive prevention programs, effective legislation, and community engagement to address GBV in post-pandemic communities. The research provides valuable lessons for enhancing GBV prevention efforts globally, emphasizing the significance of survivor voices and addressing root causes of GBV. Gender-based violence COVID-19 pandemic survivor experiences community perceptions social-ecological model prevention strategies Figures Figure 1 Introduction Quarantine has been used to stop the spread of infectious diseases since its inception in 532 AD. Between 2020 and the beginning of 2022, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced governments all over the world to enact measures, which changed the daily lives of people and yet doing so created a paradox of societal alienation. The global COVID-19 crisis has caused widespread societal upheaval, psychological distress, and financial insecurity, affecting communities on a profound scale. (Waterman et al., 2020). Numerous societal difficulties, such as loneliness, mental health disorders, and economic instability was brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic However, for the protection of health facilities and the world’s people the quarantine, lockdown and other preventative measures such as wearing of masks, social distancing were essential. As much as these measures were effective to control and eradicate Covid − 19 the battle against the virus had its drawbacks (Bradbury-Jones & Isham, 2020 ). One of the most concerning outcomes of the pandemic has been the considerable increase in gender-based violence (GBV) incidences during the lockdown period, as survivors were cut off from their social networks, while abusers were granted greater freedom (Waterman et al., 2020). Due to emotions of isolation and fear of the unknown, many people who were quarantined for COVID-19 experienced negative effects like unemployment, financial difficulty, and emotional suffering. Also known as the 'quarantine paradox', Gender-based violence (GBV) incidences increased considerably during the lockdown period as the pandemic cut off survivors from their social networks as well as granting greater freedom to abusers (Kofman & Garfin, 2020 ). GBV, is a major issue that affects health significantly on a global scale. Physical, psychological, or economic abuse can have adverse effect on health as well as the ability to exercise civil and human rights for both men and women. GBV is not a singular problem with a single underlying cause, hence its multifaceted nature demands a more nuanced and comprehensive response that any solutions must be thorough and specific to its complexity. However, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), gender-based violence is defined as violence against women that is perpetrated against them disproportionately. Hence, in this study, the term "gender-based violence" has been used to describe a variety of acts of violence against women.. The outbreak of COVID-19 not only showcased a global health crisis but also underlined the deep-seated links between health challenges, societal norms, and gender disparities. The rise in GBV during the pandemic underscored the critical need to assess public sentiment and encounters with GBV as we move forward in a post-pandemic landscape (Oesterle et al., 2020). Rethinking governmental regulations, and raising awareness of the problem and the solutions available are all necessary to lessen its prevalence (Kofman & Garfin, 2020 ). Community-based preventative initiatives, in particular, suffered greatly from the restrictive regulations and were forced to cease during the initial weeks of the epidemic due to government-mandated lockdown measures. Organizations were forced to either cease operations or find new ways to provide services in these conditions, which was not always simple, particularly in the absence of any government direction or assistance (Oesterle et al., 2020). Certain organizations attempted to modify program activities through the use of virtual platforms, for example Universties and colleges stated online lectures. Nonetheless, a lot of organizations had trouble adjusting to online platforms. Waterman et al, (2020) highlighted that organizations using integrated community participation as the foundation for their preventative service models, for instance, found it difficult to plan ahead and adjust swiftly, and some were unable to carry on providing services in a different fashion. While some organizations believed that remote platforms were inappropriate for the type of programming they were involved in, others found it difficult to absorb the financial expense of these platforms (Waterman et al., 2020). Many also realized that because many of their recipients were technologically illiterate or lacked digital literacy, these modalities did not work for them.. Investing in innovative GBV preventive programs has long been at the forefront, but overall, preventative work remains underfunded across nations and does not systematically reach a huge majority of the affected population (Bradbury-Jones & Isham, 2020 ). Owing to a lack of finance, these programs sometimes overlap with others, such as those for mental health and HIV/AIDS, and they do not fully address the many causes and populations impacted by GBV (UNFPA, 2020). One may argue that having the right enabling laws in place is the cornerstone of a multisectoral, society-wide effort to prevent and lessen domestic abuse. Good policies offer a way to shield victims and stop violence in the future. Laws that lack accountability or execution offer little solace or hope for normative change. Hence interventions arguably, need to be early, swift and multidimensional for sustainable results. It is the intention of this article to investigate post-COVID-19 community perceptions, experiences, and policy implications on GBV Prevention and lessons can we borrow from the covid 19 to enhance the prevention of gender based violence in a community setup. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of the surge in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a critical gap in understanding the nuanced challenges faced by GBV survivors, particularly in low-income, masculine-dominated communities such as the Golden mining community in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. While existing research highlights the multifaceted nature of GBV and its exacerbation by societal norms and economic instability, there is limited insight into the post-pandemic landscape of GBV, including community perceptions, experiences, and policy implications. The key contribution of the research provides valuable insights into post-COVID-19 community perceptions, experiences, and policy implications regarding GBV prevention, offering lessons to enhance prevention strategies in similar community setups worldwide. The paper is organized logically and methodically, starting with an introduction that places gender-based violence (GBV) in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. Following is the guiding theory underpinning the study. Social-Ecological Model. It then proceeds to describe the study's methodology, including the use of qualitative research methods such as interviews and focus group discussions. The findings section presents key insights into the challenges faced by GBV survivors, community perceptions of GBV, and the policy implications of the changing landscape of GBV in the post-pandemic era. The paper concludes with a review of the research's consequences and suggestions for improving GBV prevention methods in communities with comparable configurations throughout the globe. The Social-Ecological Model Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, developed in 1979, examines human development by examining the individual and their environment. The model posits that abuse is not triggered by a single mechanism but rather by various factors acting together at different levels of the social ecology. This paradigm is essential to comprehending gender-based violence (GBV) since it highlights risk factors and protective variables that keep people from being perpetrators or victims of GBV. The paper applies the model, concentrating on the societal problems of gender-based violence. It highlights how a person's social environments and relationships are shaped by their family, friends, schools, communities, and society as a whole. According to Kelly ( 2011 ), there is no one cause of violence; instead, there are several causation levels within the ecological framework.The following diagram illustrates how the model offers a framework for identifying risk variables and how they interact: Social Factors The epidemic has made gender norms and other social injustices worse, which has made communities more tense and stressed. In addition to restricting access to support networks and fostering isolation, lockdown procedures and social distance may further raise the risk of GBV. Community Financial strains within communities may be exacerbated by economic instability and employment losses brought on by the pandemic. This might lead to an increase in household tensions and the development of GBV. The capacity of people to ask for assistance or flee abusive situations may also be hampered by stressed or damaged community support networks. Institutions Workplaces and schools have moved to virtual spaces or imposed social distancing policies, which has changed the dynamics of contact and may affect people's ability to access resources for reporting abuse or support. Disruptions to vital resources and services might also hinder victims' ability to seek assistance. Interpersonal Lockdown-related extended stays at home might intensify power dynamics in close relationships, increasing the likelihood of coercion, control, and violence. Abuse habits may become more entrenched if one is isolated from outside support systems. Individual Factors The pandemic's stress, uncertainty, and worry might aggravate pre-existing mental health conditions or drug addiction, raising the possibility of GBV victimization or perpetration. On the other hand, those who have robust coping strategies and support systems may be more capable of navigating and fending off abusive circumstances. The Social-Ecological Model can be applied to GBV prevention initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the identification of solutions that strengthen preventative measures and reduce violence. This approach is essential for effective gender based violence prevention and intervention efforts. Research questions 1. How did COVID-19 and lockdown measures affect gender-based violence (GBV) in the Golden mining community? 2. What are the specific challenges faced by GBV survivors in post-pandemic times? 3. What are the community's perceptions and experiences regarding GBV prevention strategies? 4. What are the policy implications of the changing landscape of GBV post-pandemic? 5. How do different factors in the social ecology influence GBV in the Golden mining community? Study area The study was conducted in the community of Golden Valley, a mining community in the periphery of the Kadoma metropolitan city, Mashonaland West of Zimbabwe in the year 2022 in the month of June. The community is characterized by low income, poor infrastructure and illegal mining activities. Adults have low levels of formal education completion, high rates of unemployment, extreme deprivation, and insufficient access to basic amenities. The community is masculine-dominated and the associated work culture of mining often foster harmful gender norms, where women and vulnerable populations face risks of violence, discrimination, and marginalization. Deeply ingrained gender norms and traditional beliefs often perpetuate unequal power dynamics and normalize violence against women posing barriers to addressing GBV in the community. Methodology Research Design A descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, was used to find community perceptions based on the consolidated criteria for reports of qualitative studies (COREQ). Qualitative research techniques, including focus groups, interviews, and observations, were used in this study to collect detailed, comprehensive data from participants. The purpose of the study was to comprehend community members' viewpoints, convictions, attitudes, and experiences related to the subject of the inquiry. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) principles to guarantee methodological rigor and openness in reporting the research findings. Researchers can use the COREQ standards as a framework to thoroughly record the methods and conclusions of their qualitative investigations (Tong, 2007). This includes disclosing specifics about the design of the study, how participants were chosen, how the data was collected, how it was analyzed, and how the results were interpreted. The researchers sought to improve the study's legitimacy, openness, and dependability by following the COREQ principles. This enhances the validity and reliability of the study outputs by enabling readers and stakeholders to critically assess the research methodology and conclusions. All things considered, applying the COREQ principles improves the methodological rigor and caliber of qualitative research by offering insightful information about the views and experiences of the community. Population and Sampling There were 24 study participants in all for the investigator. With the exception of community Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), when participants were classified by random sample, most participant classifications were done using convenient sampling. The researcher was able to find participants by using purposive sampling, and these individuals included village chiefs, government officials, and church elders. According to Sekaran (2000), study samples for judgmental/purposive and convenient sampling designs are chosen based on the participant's readiness to supply the kind of in-depth information that the researcher requires. In order to determine who had survived sexual assault and who had been the victim of domestic abuse, the researcher also employed the snowball sampling approach. Table 1 Summary of participants of the study. Category Sampling Technique Sample Data Collection Instrument Used Traditional Leaders Purposive 2 Interviews Community leaders Purposive 2 In-depth interviews Survivors Snowballing 3 Semi-structured interviews Females members of the community Random 8 Focus group discussions Male members of the community Random 8 Focus group discussions Medical personnel Convenient 1 In-depth interviews Data Collection Focus groups, key informant interviews, and participant observation were the three techniques of methodological triangulation used in this study to collect data. Data was collected using focus group discussion guidelines, interview guides, and observation guides. The researcher used open-ended questions to explore their perceptions, experiences, and beliefs regarding GBV in the post-pandemic era. Ethical Considerations The research process prioritized the privacy and confidentiality of all study participants, and they gave their informed consent. Because the topic of the study is sensitive, precautions were taken to ensure that participants did not suffer any harm or distress during the performances or discussions. When needed, participants were given information about local support services. Data Analysis A thematic analysis was employed to dissect the data, with a particular emphasis on recurring themes, patterns, and shared beliefs and representations within the responses of the participants. The research followed the COREQ guidelines to transparently document the research process and findings discussing their relevance to GBV prevention policies in the post-COVID-19 context. Overview of the Evidence Gender-Based Violence during Covid 19 The phenomenon known as gender-based violence (GBV) is a multifaceted problem that is firmly entrenched in socio-cultural frameworks. It is important to analyze GBV in light of various factors, including class, race, poverty level, ethnic background, and age (Abramsky et al., 2011 ). Additionally, the persistence of GBV is influenced by the unequal power relations between genders and the normative position of gender-related expectations (Gilbar et al., 2021). In contrast, violence is defined as the deliberate use of physical force, threats, or real power to cause harm to another person or thing. (Gupta et al., 2009 ). The breakdown of social infrastructures that pandemics frequently cause exacerbates the already preexisting deficiencies and tensions(Carbia, García-Cabrerizo, Cryan,& Dinan, 2022). Furthermore, (Waterman et al., 2020) highlighted that the tensions among illegal miners frequently escalating into violence, the fragile and risky nature of gold mining undoubtedly adds to the stress placed on homes and communities. It is important to highlight that statistics on gender-based violence are difficult to find in these communities because the abuse has become commonplace and few women report cases. Many victims of rape suffer from chronic agony and suffering, which affects their ability to think clearly and function. There aren't many facilities such as hospitals and police stations in Golden Valley. Although attitudes and behaviors towards gender-based violence (GBV) play a crucial role in determining how reactions to GBV are understood, the Golden Valley community's extreme heterogeneity prevents the development of a superficial common culture, norms, and values. The research participants' varied perspectives on their experiences with and perceptions of gender-based violence were insightful and fascinating. Physical abuse, sexual assault (rape cases), and economic violence were the primary types of GBV that were found to be common in Golden Valley. According to respondents in the focus group discussions, domestic violence refers to the majority of violent acts that take place in homes. Socio-Economic violence When males neglect their responsibilities, socioeconomic violence takes place (Kaplan, 2020). A number of issues were attributed to the incapacity of the household to fulfill its responsibilities. The researcher observed that every respondent from every interview and discussion indicated this type of violence. For example, women explained how gender roles and duties were constructed in the society, implying that males were considered to be the breadwinners who handled all money concerns and decision-making positions. One male respondent emphasized how their numerous frustrations were causing them to react violently to circumstances. The concept of masculinity and what it meant to be a man was undermined by issues such as substance misuse, alcoholism, and unemployment, which resulted in a feeling of diminishing responsibility. The majority of the community residents had either experienced job loss, income reductions, or their means of subsistence had become unfeasible amid the lockdown. As a result, they had severe food insecurity and struggled to afford food. Families experienced stress, disagreements, and strife as a result of not having enough food. In their article "An Acute Crisis adds to Unresolved Chronic Crisis," Engel-Hills & Engel ( 2023 ) draw the conclusion that the pandemic's acute crisis made the effects of the chronic crisis worse, which had a cumulative effect on families. They also note that pre-existing social issues may be seen as risks and pressures that have long been a part of communities' uneven social structures. Men claimed that women saw them as weak and worthless because they felt inadequate and unable to support their families, which made them feel less appreciated in both the community and the homes. The economic situation of the country as a whole has impacted negatively on our daily life and has caused most of use to act as if we have abandoned our responsibilities. Even before the onset of COVID-19 economic situation was dire and it became worse during the lockdown as the economy just shutdown. Most men are into informal mining which does not translate to always having money (Male respondent, FGD). The males were perplexed and angry since they were unable to come up with any plans or methods for showing off their masculinity in positive ways. According to Conroy ( 2013 ) explanation, when women challenge male dominance and break from traditional gender roles, men become insecure and resort to violence as a form of resistance. This is an example of how patriarchal gender norms are being violated. The compensation hypothesis posits that males who lack the resources associated with being the breadwinners utilize aggressiveness as a means of expressing their frustrations against women (Kaplan, 2020). However, Mugisho ( 2011 ) contends that the majority of abused women are those who are economically dependent on their abusers since these women are more likely to stay in the relationship because they are unable to leave them owing to financial constraints. Covid 19 made this better because businesses had to close except for those that provided necessities. The majority of physical abuse against spouses, according to respondents, comes from kicking, slapping, and whipping. This type of violence is commonly noted when income has been earned from the mining activities (mining pits). During the COVID-19 pandemic, economic dependence became even more pronounced for many women, exacerbating the risk of abuse and making it difficult for them to leave abusive relationships. The pandemic led to widespread job losses and economic instability, particularly in sectors where women are over represented, such as service industries and informal employment. Many women lost their jobs or sources of income, further entrenching their economic dependence on their abusers. With limited job opportunities and financial resources, abusers may have exerted increased control over household finances during the pandemic. This control can include restricting access to money, preventing women from seeking employment, or exploiting economic vulnerabilities to maintain power and control within the relationship. Lockdowns and movement restrictions imposed during the pandemic limited women's access to support services, including shelters, counseling, and legal assistance. This lack of access reduced women's ability to seek help and escape abusive situations, especially when financial constraints prevented them from finding alternative accommodation or support networks. When questioned about why wives or girlfriends are physically abused at that particular moment, the answer given was that the wives would have asked the men for more money and explained the difficulties of running the household—such as paying the energy bills and buying groceries, to mention a few. According to the DHS of Zimbabwe (2022), women are physically abused by their husbands for extremely trivial causes. For instance, if a woman accidentally burns the meal she is preparing, her husband would have every right to beat her. One of the in-depth interview participants emphasized that a husband is entitled to discipline his wife in whatever manner he sees fit, and that this kind of behavior is accepted and socially acceptable in the community. Wife-beating is justified by African customs, where certain communities still maintain patriarchal systems that grant males authority over their spouses since wives are supposed to submit to their husbands at all times (Johnmary 2012). Power, Control, and Culturally Gendered Roles For some participants, particularly those accustomed to the bustling world outside their homes, the initial days of confinement proved to be an unexpected source of strength and connection within families. However, as the lockdown persisted, a myriad of challenges emerged, shedding light on the intricate web of positive and negative impacts on relationships, especially within spousal dynamics. Many of the men who were questioned found it difficult to adjust to the ongoing lockdown and confinement in their homes. For other men, being trapped at home with their spouses was a trying situation and a cause of stress since it led to disagreements and conflict over little things in the house. It was unusual and frustrating for these guys to spend their lockdown time at home with their wife, since they typically spend it at work or out with friends. males began to notice their partners' shortcomings and incapacity to perform tasks during the lockdown, which suggested that males needed to exert control over women and caused tension in the household. The results are in line with studies that demonstrate how confinement stress affected several areas and caused tension in the family's relationships.(Abu Hamid 2022, Nicola et al., 2020 ) A few men, though, talked about how much they enjoyed having more time with their relationships. Normalisation of Violence According to the observations made above, there has been a normalization of violence in Golden Valley. Because of this normalization, violence in the community has become systemic and ingrained. The elders of the village and traditional authorities echoed this, saying that: Traditional practices accept the abuse of women (wife beating) for no valid reasons not to say that beating anyone is justified (unless it’s a law, for example, corporal punishment) In the African culture, women are supposed to be submissive to their husbands or men in general from the community and if she fails to submit, it is deemed normal for the husband to punish her. Women accept this behaviour from their husbands as they grow up being told that once they got married, they would be the property of the Husband. The coming of covid did not change anything but rather made it worse for men to exercise more control in closed spaces ( KII-Traditional leader ) The aforementioned assertion demonstrates that the community views punishment as culturally appropriate. It is a private matter when abuse is acceptable and no one else in the community steps in to stop it. According to Ushe ( 2015 ), the claim that women are socialized to be "silent" perpetuates gender inequality and leads to women's subjugation not just in the family but also in the community and across society. Reporting incidents become more difficult due to the already few resources available to access survivor-friendly centers. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Alcohol is thought to act as a cognitive driver, increasing the likelihood of violence by weakening inhibitions, compromising thinking, and reducing an individual's ability to recognize warning signals (Adjah and Agbemafle 2016 ). Although it doesn't play a significant role in the start of misuse, the majority of respondents were certain that alcohol encouraged GBV. These societies held the view that alcohol consumption is widespread and starts at a very young age. According to the statements above, alcohol consumption may lead to a lack of self-control and risky behavior in personal relationships. It can also have physical consequences, as some men have found solace in alcohol abuse and illegal sex. This not only led to a rise in GBV cases but also had a negative impact on GBV response and prevention. Due to sharp rises in alcohol sales and the emergence of several illegal stokvel in the neighborhood, there was a significant increase in alcohol use throughout the lockdown period. In their study, Rajendran et al. (2023) also found a favorable correlation between the amount of alcohol drank, the degree of alcohol dependent syndrome, and the expense of obtaining alcohol prior to the lockout. They said that during the lockdown, the percentage of people consuming illegal alcohol or buying it on the black market had significantly increased. Gender Based Violence Awareness Participants noted increased awareness of GBV as a pressing issue in the community following the pandemic. Public health crises highlighted the need for more comprehensive prevention strategies. Nonetheless, FGD members countered that despite the prevalence of GBV in the community, the police are overburdened with violent crimes linked to mining operations. Because of the mining operations, there are a lot of violent criminals in the town, and the police get daily reports of numerous attacks.. The implementation of national legislative frameworks and their promotion were additional strategies for preventing gender-based violence within the community. Under Zimbabwe's Domestic Violence Act, victims of domestic abuse can get safety, reparation, and long-term measures to reduce domestic violence. In order to raise awareness about the prevention and reduction of GBV, the Ministries of Gender and Women Affairs and Youth and Community Development would organize seminars in the community's schools. Talking about the awareness programs, however, focus group participants said that most community elders were not able to attend the schools where they were mostly held. As demonstrated by the following testimony, insufficient institutional capacity resulted in a lack of follow-up and lengthy legal proceedings that deterred the reporting of GBV instances; We are supposed to educate the mining communities and neighbouring communities to avoid GBV and to report cases when they occur; but we do little because of lack of resources. Even the little we do is not continuous but only when we have facilitation from partners. Sometimes we do not have transport to do community sensitization or even to follow-up the case. As a result, people lose interest and abandon the cases… ’ ( KII -Police Official) Difficulties to reporting GBV instances include community systems that are dysfunctional and tainted, particularly in the police force. Even while services for justice, law, and order were offered, long-distance travelers could not easily reach them. It was mentioned that the amount of time it took to get justice, much alone for one to be served, proved to be a deterrent to seeking justice; A male responded from FGD stated : ‘Even if you report, they ask for transport, you have to pay some money to open the file; you have to go to the police station many times…it is better if one did not report at all ’ (FGD -Male group respondent) Survivors reported facing numerous challenges, including limited access to support services, economic instability, and social isolation during lockdowns. According to the police responders who were important informants, the police had the primary duty for preventing domestic violence and gender-based violence within the community. Nonetheless, FGD participants countered that despite the prevalence of GBV in the community, the police are overburdened with violence stemming from mining operations and executing COVID-19 rules. Because of the mining operations, there are a lot of violent criminals in the town, and the police get daily reports of numerous attacks.: People fight over mining claims, proceeds from the mining activities, and others who are bullies in the industry. Hence if a victim of domestic violence report to the police they are told to go back home and try and work it out ( FGD mixed group respondent). The police said that they were unable to handle every case that was reported due to the nature of business that takes place in and around the neighborhood, noting that some cases that required further investigation would simply be put on hold or even forgotten. A Health Perspective The researcher's interactions with the medical staff revealed that they had received reports from women who had been abused by their husbands, and that the only things they could do for them was treat them and occasionally provide counseling. However, these services were not widely available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding that to prevent a high death toll, all effort and little resources were directed on the containment of COVID-19. In spite of the actors' best efforts, survivors' overall access to healthcare remained insufficient, mostly because service providers and GBV victims lacked the necessary resources. For example, in places where services were available, they weren't always free. The manner in which services were provided posed another obstacle. It was apparently expected of people to reveal, or at least allude to, the reason they sought care in public waiting areas. Because of this and the lack of anonymity, GBV victims either chose not to seek services or completely concealed their experience.More outreach efforts are needed in preventive programs to ensure that men and women have equal access to campaign information, according to respondents. A Culture and Tradition perspective The community elders and traditional leaders shared the belief that a person's attitude toward others is the first step towards preventing gender-based violence. An elder used the example of how people are not inherently aggressive but rather how their upbringing affects how they handle potential crises. THis claim is comparable to those made by social learning theorists Lake et al. ( 2017 ), who contend that human behavior is learned and developed rather than innate and that environmental cues are what link a stimulus to a response—the response being the behavior that is being studied. The steps taken to stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading, such donning masks and avoiding social situations in public, emphasize that it only takes one individual to take responsibility and avert a disaster.. One tactic recommended to deter GBV in the community was the employment of traditional courts. However according to one elder, the community is using traditional courts less frequently to resolve disputes of all kinds and prevent them from happening in the first place: Women and men would approach the traditional leaders with their grievances so as to have their disagreements resolved by the elders. The courts were respected and it helped to ease problems in the community until COVID 19. Post COVID the community up to date seem to have been forgotten. Perhaps the people have learnt to handle their own problems. (KII-Community leader) The aforementioned testimony highlights the significance of using indigenous methods to carry out activities for the development of communities. A responded from a focus group discussion (FGD) said that traditional courts should be reinstated in the community despite their lack of use. This is because traditional courts include an Ubuntu element that promotes peace and unity both within families and the community as a whole. A Religious Pespective Religious leaders were recognized as intermediaries in the prevention of GBV, to whom individuals occasionally turned for help, particularly with domestic family matters. The majority religion in the community is Christianity, while there are many other faiths as well. A church elder clarified in an interview that the church was a haven of peace and that people came to it for counseling, forgiveness, and general dispute settlement. The response emphasized that during COVID-19, the church conducted virtual services and used social media platforms like WhatsApp to interact with its members. In some ways, this helped. These platforms are still utilized in conjunction with physical platforms in the post-COVID era. According to a female responded from the Focus Group Discussions, the church has functioned as a center of safety, providing a safe place for people to retreat to as tensions escalated. The results of the study made clear that some GBV preventive techniques had been applied in the neighborhood. There is still a lack of clarity on the techniques and players involved in raising awareness among those addressing gender-based violence in the community. There is a need for more solid measures to be put in place to minimize occurrences of violence in the Golden Valley mining community because the services for GBV there are extremely inadequate, unsystematic, and intermittent in comparison to the major town of Kadoma. Programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence in the Golden Valley mining community must address gender norms and expectations related to what is considered normal for both men and women. Policy Implications The discussion on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention begins with the recognition of its complex nature and the need for a multi-faceted approach. Policy experts emphasize the importance of increased funding for support services, improved coordination between government and non-profit organizations, and enhanced training for healthcare professionals and law enforcement. It is acknowledged that GBV can have almost immeasurable short and long-term negative health consequences, Kristiansen, Ida & Lykke, (2020), highlighting the urgency of effective prevention strategies. Mere presence of gender-sensitive legislation and awareness is deemed insufficient, given the unpredictable behavior outcomes stemming from varied meanings and motivations attached to behaviors and actions related to GBV. Reforming the justice, law, and order sectors, including the police and courts, is identified as crucial to ensure they are seen as allies in addressing GBV. Cultural leaders are also seen as important allies in the campaign against GBV, promoting norms that discourage such violence. Furthermore, it is considered essential to establish a setting in which public figures and community leaders recognize and denounce GBV. This entails meeting the harsh living circumstances that mining communities endure and supplying necessities, particularly social services. In order to effectively design and execute interventions for GBV prevention, detection, and response, collaboration with cultural leaders is deemed essential. The discussion then shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its revelation of inadequacies in disaster management and preparedness, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. Policies such as social exclusion and reduced access to healthcare have exacerbated inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. In response to the pandemic's aftermath, there is a call for psychological, psycho-therapeutic, and social services to adopt more relational and socially focused interventions. Strengthening healthcare, religious, and educational systems, as well as social protection mechanisms, is identified as essential. Integration of psycho-social support into various sectors, along with an integrated approach to therapeutic interventions, is deemed necessary to address the diverse psycho-social needs arising from the pandemic's impact on vulnerable populations. Conclusion In conclusion, this research underscores the imperative of adapting policies and interventions to address the evolving landscape of gender-based violence (GBV) in the post-COVID-19 era. By delving into community perceptions and experiences, policymakers can proactively tackle GBV and tailor solutions to meet the diverse needs of survivors. The economic strains exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdown measures heightened the risk factors for domestic violence against women, highlighting the urgency for evidence-informed tactics to mitigate violence. Specifically, women were found to predominantly face emotional abuse from partners, while children often endured physical abuse during strict lockdowns. This underscores the critical need for governmental action, including financial support to alleviate food shortages and bolster support systems for victims. Furthermore, safeguarding the uninterrupted operation of domestic violence shelters and ensuring the protection of staff and beneficiaries are paramount in providing essential services to those in need. Addressing the mental well-being of both men and women through psycho- social interventions is crucial for fostering resilience and healing in the aftermath of GBV incidents. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope and drivers of domestic violence in pandemic situations, broader-scale surveys using self-reporting questionnaires are recommended. Such surveys can provide more nuanced insights into the multifaceted nature of GBV and inform evidence-based policy making.Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to vital discussions on navigating the myriad behavioral changes, coping mechanisms, and decisions that impact the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It underscores the importance of engaging in these discussions at every level of society to enact meaningful change and create safer, more supportive environments for all particularly in periphery communities. Declarations Acknowledgments The author wants to thank the men and women of Golden Valley Mine who volunteered to participate in this study and share their story. Funding No funding was received for conducting this study Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at University of Johannesburg. Informed consent was collected for all participants. The study was explained to participants using a Participant Information Sheet (specifc to focus group discussions or (interviews) and all participants provided written informed consent. Data Availability Not applicable Competing interests The author declare no competing interests. Consent for publication Not applicable. Author details Everjoy Magwegwe - Postdoctoral research fellow with the SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture at the University of Johannesburg. References Abramsky, T., Watts, C. H., Garcia-Moreno, C., Devries, K., Kiss, L., Ellsberg, M., ... & Heise, L. (2011). What factors are associated with recent intimate partner violence? Findings from the WHO multi-country study on women's health and domestic violence. BMC public health, 11(1), 1-17. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-109 Adjah, E. S., & Agbemafle, I. (2016). Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana. BMC public health, 16(1), 1-9. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3041-x Bradbury-Jones, C., & Isham, L. (2020). The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID-19 on domestic violence. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(13-14), 2047-2049. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15296 Breiding, M., Basile, K. C., Smith, S. G., Black, M. C., & Mahendra, R. R. (2015). Intimate partner violence surveillance: Uniform definitions and recommended data elements. Version 2.0. Carbia, C., García-Cabrerizo, R., Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2022). Associations between mental health, alcohol consumption and drinking motives during COVID-19 second lockdown in Ireland. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 57(2), 211-218. DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agab067 Conroy, A. A. (2013). Gender relationship power, and HIV testing in rural Malawi (Doctoral dissertation, University of Colorado Denver).DOI:10.1080/00224499.2014.883590 Engel-Hills, P., & Engel, N. (2023). An acute crisis adds to unresolved chronic crisis. International Conference on Gender Research. https://doi.org/10.34190/icgr.6.1.99 Gupta, V. K., Turban, D. B., Wasti, S. A., & Sikdar, A. (2009). The role of gender stereotypes in perceptions of entrepreneurs and intentions to become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship theory and practice, 33(2), 397-417.DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-520.2009.00296.x Kelly, D. (2011). Yuck!: The nature and moral significance of disgust. MIT press. DOI: 10.1080/10848770.2013.836820 Kofman, Y. B., & Garfin, D. R. (2020). Home is not always a haven: The domestic violence crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S199. DOI: 10.1037/tra0000866 Kristiansen.Ida, Lykke, (2020). Short- and Long-Term Consequences of Serious Parental Health Shocks. Social Science Research Network, doi: 10.2139/SSRN.3564038 Lake, B. M., Ullman, T. D., Tenenbaum, J. B., & Gershman, S. J. (2017). Building machines that learn and think like people. Behavioral and brain sciences, 40, e253.DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X16001837 Mugisho, A. M. (2011). The Socio-Econonomic Integration Of Congolese Migrants In Johannesburg: ‘A Gendered Analysis’ (Doctoral dissertation, University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg). Nicola, M., Alsafi, Z., Sohrabi, C., Kerwan, A., Al-Jabir, A., Iosifidis, C., ... & Agha, R. (2020). The socio-economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19): A review. International journal of surgery, 78, 185-193. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.04.018 Oesterle, T. S., Kolla, B., Risma, C. J., Breitinger, S. A., Rakocevic, D. B., Loukianova, L. L., ... & Gold, M. S. (2020, December). Substance use disorders and telehealth in the COVID-19 pandemic era: A new outlook. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 95(12), 2709-2718.DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.10.011 Ushe, U. M. (2015). Religious Conflicts and Education in Nigeria: Implications for National Security. Journal of education and practice, 6(2), 117-129. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 01 Oct, 2024 Read the published version in BMC Public Health → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 04 Apr, 2024 Submission checks completed at journal 03 Apr, 2024 Editor assigned by journal 03 Apr, 2024 First submitted to journal 28 Feb, 2024 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3996582","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":287415624,"identity":"c9f8b0c5-11a7-4173-8bfe-5e3c8e4930de","order_by":0,"name":"Everjoy Magwegwe","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA4ElEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAD9gYGAxK18BwgWYtEApEK+cUOP37NU1Gb2C/5xqCAocaOQb79AH4tkrPTzKx5zhxPnDk7x8CA4VgyA2MPAesMbieYGee2HcvdcBukhe0AAzMDAS32t9O/Gef+O5a7/+YZoJZ/BxjY+B8QsEU6x/hxbkNN7gYJHgMDxrYDDDyEwkHidk4Z859jB+pnnEkrMEjsS+aRkCBgC//s9M0fZ9TUGfO3H95m8OGbnZx8PwFbgIBNgoHhMJhhAFTMQ1A9EDB/YGCoAzMIuGgUjIJRMApGKgAA1oBCpd5OWYMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Everjoy","middleName":"","lastName":"Magwegwe","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-02-28 12:05:48","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996582/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996582/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20180-x","type":"published","date":"2024-10-01T15:57:04+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":54317426,"identity":"9b51fd2a-705f-4430-bce2-ba2b81fa2d9c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-08 18:11:24","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":139819,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUnnumbered image in the Introduction section.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViolence risk factors and their interplay ecology (Source: Heise 1999)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3996582/v1/938686a0a496774cf2c4c708.png"},{"id":66097012,"identity":"193e3da5-be54-40cc-a036-62e9bbd884b2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-10-07 16:12:37","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":678619,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3996582/v1/cb742201-4b9a-43b9-b603-f86e8558f16c.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"A Quarantine Paradox: Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Post-COVID-19 Era: Insights from Golden Valley Mining Community, Zimbabwe","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eQuarantine has been used to stop the spread of infectious diseases since its inception in 532 AD. Between 2020 and the beginning of 2022, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced governments all over the world to enact measures, which changed the daily lives of people and yet doing so created a paradox of societal alienation. The global COVID-19 crisis has caused widespread societal upheaval, psychological distress, and financial insecurity, affecting communities on a profound scale. (Waterman et al., 2020). Numerous societal difficulties, such as loneliness, mental health disorders, and economic instability was brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic However, for the protection of health facilities and the world\u0026rsquo;s people the quarantine, lockdown and other preventative measures such as wearing of masks, social distancing were essential. As much as these measures were effective to control and eradicate Covid \u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;19 the battle against the virus had its drawbacks (Bradbury-Jones \u0026amp; Isham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). One of the most concerning outcomes of the pandemic has been the considerable increase in gender-based violence (GBV) incidences during the lockdown period, as survivors were cut off from their social networks, while abusers were granted greater freedom (Waterman et al., 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDue to emotions of isolation and fear of the unknown, many people who were quarantined for COVID-19 experienced negative effects like unemployment, financial difficulty, and emotional suffering. Also known as the 'quarantine paradox', Gender-based violence (GBV) incidences increased considerably during the lockdown period as the pandemic cut off survivors from their social networks as well as granting greater freedom to abusers (Kofman \u0026amp; Garfin, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). GBV, is a major issue that affects health significantly on a global scale. Physical, psychological, or economic abuse can have adverse effect on health as well as the ability to exercise civil and human rights for both men and women. GBV is not a singular problem with a single underlying cause, hence its multifaceted nature demands a more nuanced and comprehensive response that any solutions must be thorough and specific to its complexity. However, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), gender-based violence is defined as violence against women that is perpetrated against them disproportionately. Hence, in this study, the term \"gender-based violence\" has been used to describe a variety of acts of violence against women..\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe outbreak of COVID-19 not only showcased a global health crisis but also underlined the deep-seated links between health challenges, societal norms, and gender disparities. The rise in GBV during the pandemic underscored the critical need to assess public sentiment and encounters with GBV as we move forward in a post-pandemic landscape (Oesterle et al., 2020). Rethinking governmental regulations, and raising awareness of the problem and the solutions available are all necessary to lessen its prevalence (Kofman \u0026amp; Garfin, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunity-based preventative initiatives, in particular, suffered greatly from the restrictive regulations and were forced to cease during the initial weeks of the epidemic due to government-mandated lockdown measures. Organizations were forced to either cease operations or find new ways to provide services in these conditions, which was not always simple, particularly in the absence of any government direction or assistance (Oesterle et al., 2020). Certain organizations attempted to modify program activities through the use of virtual platforms, for example Universties and colleges stated online lectures. Nonetheless, a lot of organizations had trouble adjusting to online platforms. Waterman et al, (2020) highlighted that organizations using integrated community participation as the foundation for their preventative service models, for instance, found it difficult to plan ahead and adjust swiftly, and some were unable to carry on providing services in a different fashion. While some organizations believed that remote platforms were inappropriate for the type of programming they were involved in, others found it difficult to absorb the financial expense of these platforms (Waterman et al., 2020). Many also realized that because many of their recipients were technologically illiterate or lacked digital literacy, these modalities did not work for them..\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting in innovative GBV preventive programs has long been at the forefront, but overall, preventative work remains underfunded across nations and does not systematically reach a huge majority of the affected population (Bradbury-Jones \u0026amp; Isham, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Owing to a lack of finance, these programs sometimes overlap with others, such as those for mental health and HIV/AIDS, and they do not fully address the many causes and populations impacted by GBV (UNFPA, 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne may argue that having the right enabling laws in place is the cornerstone of a multisectoral, society-wide effort to prevent and lessen domestic abuse. Good policies offer a way to shield victims and stop violence in the future. Laws that lack accountability or execution offer little solace or hope for normative change. Hence interventions arguably, need to be early, swift and multidimensional for sustainable results. It is the intention of this article to investigate post-COVID-19 community perceptions, experiences, and policy implications on GBV Prevention and lessons can we borrow from the covid 19 to enhance the prevention of gender based violence in a community setup.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite the widespread acknowledgment of the surge in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a critical gap in understanding the nuanced challenges faced by GBV survivors, particularly in low-income, masculine-dominated communities such as the Golden mining community in Kadoma, Zimbabwe. While existing research highlights the multifaceted nature of GBV and its exacerbation by societal norms and economic instability, there is limited insight into the post-pandemic landscape of GBV, including community perceptions, experiences, and policy implications. The key contribution of the research provides valuable insights into post-COVID-19 community perceptions, experiences, and policy implications regarding GBV prevention, offering lessons to enhance prevention strategies in similar community setups worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe paper is organized logically and methodically, starting with an introduction that places gender-based violence (GBV) in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. Following is the guiding theory underpinning the study. Social-Ecological Model. It then proceeds to describe the study's methodology, including the use of qualitative research methods such as interviews and focus group discussions. The findings section presents key insights into the challenges faced by GBV survivors, community perceptions of GBV, and the policy implications of the changing landscape of GBV in the post-pandemic era. The paper concludes with a review of the research's consequences and suggestions for improving GBV prevention methods in communities with comparable configurations throughout the globe.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Social-Ecological Model\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBronfenbrenner's ecological model, developed in 1979, examines human development by examining the individual and their environment. The model posits that abuse is not triggered by a single mechanism but rather by various factors acting together at different levels of the social ecology. This paradigm is essential to comprehending gender-based violence (GBV) since it highlights risk factors and protective variables that keep people from being perpetrators or victims of GBV.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe paper applies the model, concentrating on the societal problems of gender-based violence. It highlights how a person's social environments and relationships are shaped by their family, friends, schools, communities, and society as a whole. According to Kelly (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e), there is no one cause of violence; instead, there are several causation levels within the ecological framework.The following diagram illustrates how the model offers a framework for identifying risk variables and how they interact:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSocial Factors\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe epidemic has made gender norms and other social injustices worse, which has made communities more tense and stressed. In addition to restricting access to support networks and fostering isolation, lockdown procedures and social distance may further raise the risk of GBV.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCommunity\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial strains within communities may be exacerbated by economic instability and employment losses brought on by the pandemic. This might lead to an increase in household tensions and the development of GBV. The capacity of people to ask for assistance or flee abusive situations may also be hampered by stressed or damaged community support networks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eInstitutions\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorkplaces and schools have moved to virtual spaces or imposed social distancing policies, which has changed the dynamics of contact and may affect people's ability to access resources for reporting abuse or support. Disruptions to vital resources and services might also hinder victims' ability to seek assistance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eInterpersonal\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eLockdown-related extended stays at home might intensify power dynamics in close relationships, increasing the likelihood of coercion, control, and violence. Abuse habits may become more entrenched if one is isolated from outside support systems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIndividual Factors\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pandemic's stress, uncertainty, and worry might aggravate pre-existing mental health conditions or drug addiction, raising the possibility of GBV victimization or perpetration. On the other hand, those who have robust coping strategies and support systems may be more capable of navigating and fending off abusive circumstances.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Social-Ecological Model can be applied to GBV prevention initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the identification of solutions that strengthen preventative measures and reduce violence. This approach is essential for effective gender based violence prevention and intervention efforts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eResearch questions\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. How did COVID-19 and lockdown measures affect gender-based violence (GBV) in the Golden mining community?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2. What are the specific challenges faced by GBV survivors in post-pandemic times?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3. What are the community's perceptions and experiences regarding GBV prevention strategies?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e4. What are the policy implications of the changing landscape of GBV post-pandemic?\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5. How do different factors in the social ecology influence GBV in the Golden mining community?\u003c/p\u003e \n\u003ch3\u003eStudy area\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in the community of Golden Valley, a mining community in the periphery of the Kadoma metropolitan city, Mashonaland West of Zimbabwe in the year 2022 in the month of June. The community is characterized by low income, poor infrastructure and illegal mining activities. Adults have low levels of formal education completion, high rates of unemployment, extreme deprivation, and insufficient access to basic amenities. The community is masculine-dominated and the associated work culture of mining often foster harmful gender norms, where women and vulnerable populations face risks of violence, discrimination, and marginalization. Deeply ingrained gender norms and traditional beliefs often perpetuate unequal power dynamics and normalize violence against women posing barriers to addressing GBV in the community.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eResearch Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA descriptive, exploratory study with a qualitative approach, was used to find community perceptions based on the consolidated criteria for reports of qualitative studies (COREQ). Qualitative research techniques, including focus groups, interviews, and observations, were used in this study to collect detailed, comprehensive data from participants. The purpose of the study was to comprehend community members' viewpoints, convictions, attitudes, and experiences related to the subject of the inquiry.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) principles to guarantee methodological rigor and openness in reporting the research findings. Researchers can use the COREQ standards as a framework to thoroughly record the methods and conclusions of their qualitative investigations (Tong, 2007). This includes disclosing specifics about the design of the study, how participants were chosen, how the data was collected, how it was analyzed, and how the results were interpreted.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe researchers sought to improve the study's legitimacy, openness, and dependability by following the COREQ principles. This enhances the validity and reliability of the study outputs by enabling readers and stakeholders to critically assess the research methodology and conclusions. All things considered, applying the COREQ principles improves the methodological rigor and caliber of qualitative research by offering insightful information about the views and experiences of the community.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePopulation and Sampling\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere were 24 study participants in all for the investigator. With the exception of community Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), when participants were classified by random sample, most participant classifications were done using convenient sampling. The researcher was able to find participants by using purposive sampling, and these individuals included village chiefs, government officials, and church elders. According to Sekaran (2000), study samples for judgmental/purposive and convenient sampling designs are chosen based on the participant's readiness to supply the kind of in-depth information that the researcher requires. In order to determine who had survived sexual assault and who had been the victim of domestic abuse, the researcher also employed the snowball sampling approach.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSummary of participants of the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSampling Technique\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eData Collection Instrument Used\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTraditional Leaders\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePurposive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterviews\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunity leaders\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePurposive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn-depth interviews\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurvivors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSnowballing\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSemi-structured interviews\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemales members of the community\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRandom\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus group discussions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale members of the community\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRandom\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus group discussions\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMedical personnel\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConvenient\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn-depth interviews\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Collection\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocus groups, key informant interviews, and participant observation were the three techniques of methodological triangulation used in this study to collect data. Data was collected using focus group discussion guidelines, interview guides, and observation guides. The researcher used open-ended questions to explore their perceptions, experiences, and beliefs regarding GBV in the post-pandemic era.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthical Considerations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe research process prioritized the privacy and confidentiality of all study participants, and they gave their informed consent. Because the topic of the study is sensitive, precautions were taken to ensure that participants did not suffer any harm or distress during the performances or discussions. When needed, participants were given information about local support services.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA thematic analysis was employed to dissect the data, with a particular emphasis on recurring themes, patterns, and shared beliefs and representations within the responses of the participants. The research followed the COREQ guidelines to transparently document the research process and findings discussing their relevance to GBV prevention policies in the post-COVID-19 context.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "},{"header":"Overview of the Evidence","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGender-Based Violence during Covid 19\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe phenomenon known as gender-based violence (GBV) is a multifaceted problem that is firmly entrenched in socio-cultural frameworks. It is important to analyze GBV in light of various factors, including class, race, poverty level, ethnic background, and age (Abramsky et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, the persistence of GBV is influenced by the unequal power relations between genders and the normative position of gender-related expectations (Gilbar et al., 2021). In contrast, violence is defined as the deliberate use of physical force, threats, or real power to cause harm to another person or thing. (Gupta et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe breakdown of social infrastructures that pandemics frequently cause exacerbates the already preexisting deficiencies and tensions(Carbia, Garc\u0026iacute;a-Cabrerizo, Cryan,\u0026amp; Dinan, 2022). Furthermore, (Waterman et al., 2020) highlighted that the tensions among illegal miners frequently escalating into violence, the fragile and risky nature of gold mining undoubtedly adds to the stress placed on homes and communities. It is important to highlight that statistics on gender-based violence are difficult to find in these communities because the abuse has become commonplace and few women report cases. Many victims of rape suffer from chronic agony and suffering, which affects their ability to think clearly and function. There aren't many facilities such as hospitals and police stations in Golden Valley. Although attitudes and behaviors towards gender-based violence (GBV) play a crucial role in determining how reactions to GBV are understood, the Golden Valley community's extreme heterogeneity prevents the development of a superficial common culture, norms, and values. The research participants' varied perspectives on their experiences with and perceptions of gender-based violence were insightful and fascinating. Physical abuse, sexual assault (rape cases), and economic violence were the primary types of GBV that were found to be common in Golden Valley. According to respondents in the focus group discussions, domestic violence refers to the majority of violent acts that take place in homes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eSocio-Economic violence\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen males neglect their responsibilities, socioeconomic violence takes place (Kaplan, 2020). A number of issues were attributed to the incapacity of the household to fulfill its responsibilities. The researcher observed that every respondent from every interview and discussion indicated this type of violence. For example, women explained how gender roles and duties were constructed in the society, implying that males were considered to be the breadwinners who handled all money concerns and decision-making positions. One male respondent emphasized how their numerous frustrations were causing them to react violently to circumstances.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe concept of masculinity and what it meant to be a man was undermined by issues such as substance misuse, alcoholism, and unemployment, which resulted in a feeling of diminishing responsibility. The majority of the community residents had either experienced job loss, income reductions, or their means of subsistence had become unfeasible amid the lockdown. As a result, they had severe food insecurity and struggled to afford food. Families experienced stress, disagreements, and strife as a result of not having enough food. In their article \"An Acute Crisis adds to Unresolved Chronic Crisis,\" Engel-Hills \u0026amp; Engel (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e) draw the conclusion that the pandemic's acute crisis made the effects of the chronic crisis worse, which had a cumulative effect on families. They also note that pre-existing social issues may be seen as risks and pressures that have long been a part of communities' uneven social structures. Men claimed that women saw them as weak and worthless because they felt inadequate and unable to support their families, which made them feel less appreciated in both the community and the homes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe economic situation of the country as a whole has impacted negatively on our daily life and has caused most of use to act as if we have abandoned our responsibilities. Even before the onset of COVID-19 economic situation was dire and it became worse during the lockdown as the economy just shutdown. Most men are into informal mining which does not translate to always having money\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e(Male respondent, FGD).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe males were perplexed and angry since they were unable to come up with any plans or methods for showing off their masculinity in positive ways. According to Conroy (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) explanation, when women challenge male dominance and break from traditional gender roles, men become insecure and resort to violence as a form of resistance. This is an example of how patriarchal gender norms are being violated. The compensation hypothesis posits that males who lack the resources associated with being the breadwinners utilize aggressiveness as a means of expressing their frustrations against women (Kaplan, 2020).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, Mugisho (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e) contends that the majority of abused women are those who are economically dependent on their abusers since these women are more likely to stay in the relationship because they are unable to leave them owing to financial constraints. Covid 19 made this better because businesses had to close except for those that provided necessities. The majority of physical abuse against spouses, according to respondents, comes from kicking, slapping, and whipping. This type of violence is commonly noted when income has been earned from the mining activities (mining pits). During the COVID-19 pandemic, economic dependence became even more pronounced for many women, exacerbating the risk of abuse and making it difficult for them to leave abusive relationships. The pandemic led to widespread job losses and economic instability, particularly in sectors where women are over represented, such as service industries and informal employment. Many women lost their jobs or sources of income, further entrenching their economic dependence on their abusers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith limited job opportunities and financial resources, abusers may have exerted increased control over household finances during the pandemic. This control can include restricting access to money, preventing women from seeking employment, or exploiting economic vulnerabilities to maintain power and control within the relationship. Lockdowns and movement restrictions imposed during the pandemic limited women's access to support services, including shelters, counseling, and legal assistance. This lack of access reduced women's ability to seek help and escape abusive situations, especially when financial constraints prevented them from finding alternative accommodation or support networks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen questioned about why wives or girlfriends are physically abused at that particular moment, the answer given was that the wives would have asked the men for more money and explained the difficulties of running the household\u0026mdash;such as paying the energy bills and buying groceries, to mention a few. According to the DHS of Zimbabwe (2022), women are physically abused by their husbands for extremely trivial causes. For instance, if a woman accidentally burns the meal she is preparing, her husband would have every right to beat her. One of the in-depth interview participants emphasized that a husband is entitled to discipline his wife in whatever manner he sees fit, and that this kind of behavior is accepted and socially acceptable in the community. Wife-beating is justified by African customs, where certain communities still maintain patriarchal systems that grant males authority over their spouses since wives are supposed to submit to their husbands at all times (Johnmary 2012).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePower, Control, and Culturally Gendered Roles\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor some participants, particularly those accustomed to the bustling world outside their homes, the initial days of confinement proved to be an unexpected source of strength and connection within families. However, as the lockdown persisted, a myriad of challenges emerged, shedding light on the intricate web of positive and negative impacts on relationships, especially within spousal dynamics. Many of the men who were questioned found it difficult to adjust to the ongoing lockdown and confinement in their homes. For other men, being trapped at home with their spouses was a trying situation and a cause of stress since it led to disagreements and conflict over little things in the house. It was unusual and frustrating for these guys to spend their lockdown time at home with their wife, since they typically spend it at work or out with friends. males began to notice their partners' shortcomings and incapacity to perform tasks during the lockdown, which suggested that males needed to exert control over women and caused tension in the household. The results are in line with studies that demonstrate how confinement stress affected several areas and caused tension in the family's relationships.(Abu Hamid 2022, Nicola et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e) A few men, though, talked about how much they enjoyed having more time with their relationships.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNormalisation of Violence\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the observations made above, there has been a normalization of violence in Golden Valley. Because of this normalization, violence in the community has become systemic and ingrained. The elders of the village and traditional authorities echoed this, saying that:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eTraditional practices accept the abuse of women (wife beating) for no valid reasons not to say that beating anyone is justified (unless it\u0026rsquo;s a law, for example, corporal punishment) In the African culture, women are supposed to be submissive to their husbands or men in general from the community and if she fails to submit, it is deemed normal for the husband to punish her. Women accept this behaviour from their husbands as they grow up being told that once they got married, they would be the property of the Husband. The coming of covid did not change anything but rather made it worse for men to exercise more control in closed spaces (\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003eKII-Traditional leader\u003c/b\u003e \u003cem\u003e)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe aforementioned assertion demonstrates that the community views punishment as culturally appropriate. It is a private matter when abuse is acceptable and no one else in the community steps in to stop it. According to Ushe (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e), the claim that women are socialized to be \"silent\" perpetuates gender inequality and leads to women's subjugation not just in the family but also in the community and across society. Reporting incidents become more difficult due to the already few resources available to access survivor-friendly centers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAlcohol and Drug Abuse\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlcohol is thought to act as a cognitive driver, increasing the likelihood of violence by weakening inhibitions, compromising thinking, and reducing an individual's ability to recognize warning signals (Adjah and Agbemafle \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Although it doesn't play a significant role in the start of misuse, the majority of respondents were certain that alcohol encouraged GBV. These societies held the view that alcohol consumption is widespread and starts at a very young age. According to the statements above, alcohol consumption may lead to a lack of self-control and risky behavior in personal relationships. It can also have physical consequences, as some men have found solace in alcohol abuse and illegal sex. This not only led to a rise in GBV cases but also had a negative impact on GBV response and prevention. Due to sharp rises in alcohol sales and the emergence of several illegal stokvel in the neighborhood, there was a significant increase in alcohol use throughout the lockdown period. In their study, Rajendran et al. (2023) also found a favorable correlation between the amount of alcohol drank, the degree of alcohol dependent syndrome, and the expense of obtaining alcohol prior to the lockout. They said that during the lockdown, the percentage of people consuming illegal alcohol or buying it on the black market had significantly increased.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eGender Based Violence Awareness\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants noted increased awareness of GBV as a pressing issue in the community following the pandemic. Public health crises highlighted the need for more comprehensive prevention strategies. Nonetheless, FGD members countered that despite the prevalence of GBV in the community, the police are overburdened with violent crimes linked to mining operations. Because of the mining operations, there are a lot of violent criminals in the town, and the police get daily reports of numerous attacks..\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe implementation of national legislative frameworks and their promotion were additional strategies for preventing gender-based violence within the community. Under Zimbabwe's Domestic Violence Act, victims of domestic abuse can get safety, reparation, and long-term measures to reduce domestic violence. In order to raise awareness about the prevention and reduction of GBV, the Ministries of Gender and Women Affairs and Youth and Community Development would organize seminars in the community's schools. Talking about the awareness programs, however, focus group participants said that most community elders were not able to attend the schools where they were mostly held.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs demonstrated by the following testimony, insufficient institutional capacity resulted in a lack of follow-up and lengthy legal proceedings that deterred the reporting of GBV instances;\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eWe are supposed to educate the mining communities and neighbouring communities to avoid GBV and to report cases when they occur; but we do little because of lack of resources. Even the little we do is not continuous but only when we have facilitation from partners. Sometimes we do not have transport to do community sensitization or even to follow-up the case. As a result, people lose interest and abandon the cases\u0026hellip;\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rsquo; (\u003cb\u003eKII -Police Official)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDifficulties to reporting GBV instances include community systems that are dysfunctional and tainted, particularly in the police force. Even while services for justice, law, and order were offered, long-distance travelers could not easily reach them. It was mentioned that the amount of time it took to get justice, much alone for one to be served, proved to be a deterrent to seeking justice; A male responded from FGD stated :\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026lsquo;Even if you report, they ask for transport, you have to pay some money to open the file; you have to go to the police station many times\u0026hellip;it is better if one did not report at all\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rsquo; \u003cb\u003e(FGD -Male group respondent)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurvivors reported facing numerous challenges, including limited access to support services, economic instability, and social isolation during lockdowns. According to the police responders who were important informants, the police had the primary duty for preventing domestic violence and gender-based violence within the community. Nonetheless, FGD participants countered that despite the prevalence of GBV in the community, the police are overburdened with violence stemming from mining operations and executing COVID-19 rules. Because of the mining operations, there are a lot of violent criminals in the town, and the police get daily reports of numerous attacks.:\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePeople fight over mining claims, proceeds from the mining activities, and\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eothers who are bullies in the industry. Hence if a victim of domestic violence\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003ereport to the police they are told to go back home and try and work it out\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e(\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003eFGD mixed group respondent).\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe police said that they were unable to handle every case that was reported due to the nature of business that takes place in and around the neighborhood, noting that some cases that required further investigation would simply be put on hold or even forgotten.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eA Health Perspective\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe researcher's interactions with the medical staff revealed that they had received reports from women who had been abused by their husbands, and that the only things they could do for them was treat them and occasionally provide counseling. However, these services were not widely available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding that to prevent a high death toll, all effort and little resources were directed on the containment of COVID-19. In spite of the actors' best efforts, survivors' overall access to healthcare remained insufficient, mostly because service providers and GBV victims lacked the necessary resources. For example, in places where services were available, they weren't always free. The manner in which services were provided posed another obstacle. It was apparently expected of people to reveal, or at least allude to, the reason they sought care in public waiting areas. Because of this and the lack of anonymity, GBV victims either chose not to seek services or completely concealed their experience.More outreach efforts are needed in preventive programs to ensure that men and women have equal access to campaign information, according to respondents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eA Culture and Tradition perspective\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe community elders and traditional leaders shared the belief that a person's attitude toward others is the first step towards preventing gender-based violence. An elder used the example of how people are not inherently aggressive but rather how their upbringing affects how they handle potential crises. THis claim is comparable to those made by social learning theorists Lake et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), who contend that human behavior is learned and developed rather than innate and that environmental cues are what link a stimulus to a response\u0026mdash;the response being the behavior that is being studied. The steps taken to stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading, such donning masks and avoiding social situations in public, emphasize that it only takes one individual to take responsibility and avert a disaster..\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne tactic recommended to deter GBV in the community was the employment of traditional courts. However according to one elder, the community is using traditional courts less frequently to resolve disputes of all kinds and prevent them from happening in the first place:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eWomen and men would approach the traditional leaders with their grievances so as to have their disagreements resolved by the elders. The courts were respected and it helped to ease problems in the community until COVID 19. Post COVID the community up to date seem to have been forgotten. Perhaps the people have learnt to handle their own problems.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e(KII-Community leader)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe aforementioned testimony highlights the significance of using indigenous methods to carry out activities for the development of communities. A responded from a focus group discussion (FGD) said that traditional courts should be reinstated in the community despite their lack of use. This is because traditional courts include an Ubuntu element that promotes peace and unity both within families and the community as a whole.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eA Religious Pespective\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eReligious leaders were recognized as intermediaries in the prevention of GBV, to whom individuals occasionally turned for help, particularly with domestic family matters. The majority religion in the community is Christianity, while there are many other faiths as well. A church elder clarified in an interview that the church was a haven of peace and that people came to it for counseling, forgiveness, and general dispute settlement. The response emphasized that during COVID-19, the church conducted virtual services and used social media platforms like WhatsApp to interact with its members. In some ways, this helped. These platforms are still utilized in conjunction with physical platforms in the post-COVID era. According to a female responded from the Focus Group Discussions, the church has functioned as a center of safety, providing a safe place for people to retreat to as tensions escalated.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of the study made clear that some GBV preventive techniques had been applied in the neighborhood. There is still a lack of clarity on the techniques and players involved in raising awareness among those addressing gender-based violence in the community. There is a need for more solid measures to be put in place to minimize occurrences of violence in the Golden Valley mining community because the services for GBV there are extremely inadequate, unsystematic, and intermittent in comparison to the major town of Kadoma. Programs aimed at preventing gender-based violence in the Golden Valley mining community must address gender norms and expectations related to what is considered normal for both men and women.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePolicy Implications\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe discussion on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention begins with the recognition of its complex nature and the need for a multi-faceted approach. Policy experts emphasize the importance of increased funding for support services, improved coordination between government and non-profit organizations, and enhanced training for healthcare professionals and law enforcement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is acknowledged that GBV can have almost immeasurable short and long-term negative health consequences, Kristiansen, Ida \u0026amp; Lykke, (2020), highlighting the urgency of effective prevention strategies. Mere presence of gender-sensitive legislation and awareness is deemed insufficient, given the unpredictable behavior outcomes stemming from varied meanings and motivations attached to behaviors and actions related to GBV.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReforming the justice, law, and order sectors, including the police and courts, is identified as crucial to ensure they are seen as allies in addressing GBV. Cultural leaders are also seen as important allies in the campaign against GBV, promoting norms that discourage such violence.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, it is considered essential to establish a setting in which public figures and community leaders recognize and denounce GBV. This entails meeting the harsh living circumstances that mining communities endure and supplying necessities, particularly social services. In order to effectively design and execute interventions for GBV prevention, detection, and response, collaboration with cultural leaders is deemed essential.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe discussion then shifts to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its revelation of inadequacies in disaster management and preparedness, particularly in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. Policies such as social exclusion and reduced access to healthcare have exacerbated inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn response to the pandemic's aftermath, there is a call for psychological, psycho-therapeutic, and social services to adopt more relational and socially focused interventions. Strengthening healthcare, religious, and educational systems, as well as social protection mechanisms, is identified as essential. Integration of psycho-social support into various sectors, along with an integrated approach to therapeutic interventions, is deemed necessary to address the diverse psycho-social needs arising from the pandemic's impact on vulnerable populations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, this research underscores the imperative of adapting policies and interventions to address the evolving landscape of gender-based violence (GBV) in the post-COVID-19 era. By delving into community perceptions and experiences, policymakers can proactively tackle GBV and tailor solutions to meet the diverse needs of survivors. The economic strains exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdown measures heightened the risk factors for domestic violence against women, highlighting the urgency for evidence-informed tactics to mitigate violence. Specifically, women were found to predominantly face emotional abuse from partners, while children often endured physical abuse during strict lockdowns. This underscores the critical need for governmental action, including financial support to alleviate food shortages and bolster support systems for victims. Furthermore, safeguarding the uninterrupted operation of domestic violence shelters and ensuring the protection of staff and beneficiaries are paramount in providing essential services to those in need. Addressing the mental well-being of both men and women through psycho- social interventions is crucial for fostering resilience and healing in the aftermath of GBV incidents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo gain a comprehensive understanding of the scope and drivers of domestic violence in pandemic situations, broader-scale surveys using self-reporting questionnaires are recommended. Such surveys can provide more nuanced insights into the multifaceted nature of GBV and inform evidence-based policy making.Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to vital discussions on navigating the myriad behavioral changes, coping mechanisms, and decisions that impact the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It underscores the importance of engaging in these discussions at every level of society to enact meaningful change and create safer, more supportive environments for all particularly in periphery communities.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author wants to \u0026nbsp;thank the \u0026nbsp;men and women of Golden Valley Mine \u0026nbsp;who volunteered to participate in this study and share their story.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo funding was received for conducting this study\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclarations Ethics approval and consent to participate\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at University of Johannesburg. Informed consent was collected for all participants.\u0026nbsp;The study was explained to participants using a Participant Information Sheet (specifc to focus group discussions or (interviews) and all participants provided written informed consent.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor details\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverjoy Magwegwe - Postdoctoral research fellow with the SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture at the University of Johannesburg.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAbramsky, T., Watts, C. H., Garcia-Moreno, C., Devries, K., Kiss, L., Ellsberg, M., ... \u0026amp; Heise, L. (2011). What factors are associated with recent intimate partner violence? Findings from the WHO multi-country study on women\u0026apos;s health and domestic violence. BMC public health, 11(1), 1-17. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-109\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAdjah, E. S., \u0026amp; Agbemafle, I. (2016). Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana. BMC public health, 16(1), 1-9. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3041-x\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBradbury-Jones, C., \u0026amp; Isham, L. (2020). The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID-19 on domestic violence. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(13-14), 2047-2049. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15296\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBreiding, M., Basile, K. C., Smith, S. G., Black, M. C., \u0026amp; Mahendra, R. R. (2015). Intimate partner violence surveillance: Uniform definitions and recommended data elements. Version 2.0.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCarbia, C., Garc\u0026iacute;a-Cabrerizo, R., Cryan, J. F., \u0026amp; Dinan, T. G. (2022). Associations between mental health, alcohol consumption and drinking motives during COVID-19 second lockdown in Ireland. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 57(2), 211-218. DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agab067\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eConroy, A. A. (2013). Gender relationship power, and HIV testing in rural Malawi (Doctoral dissertation, University of Colorado Denver).DOI:10.1080/00224499.2014.883590\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eEngel-Hills, P., \u0026amp; Engel, N. (2023). An acute crisis adds to unresolved chronic crisis. International Conference on Gender Research. https://doi.org/10.34190/icgr.6.1.99\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGupta, V. K., Turban, D. B., Wasti, S. A., \u0026amp; Sikdar, A. (2009). The role of gender stereotypes in perceptions of entrepreneurs and intentions to become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship theory and practice, 33(2), 397-417.DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-520.2009.00296.x\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKelly, D. (2011). Yuck!: The nature and moral significance of disgust. MIT press. DOI: 10.1080/10848770.2013.836820\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKofman, Y. B., \u0026amp; Garfin, D. R. (2020). Home is not always a haven: The domestic violence crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S199. DOI: 10.1037/tra0000866\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eKristiansen.Ida, Lykke, (2020). Short- and Long-Term Consequences of Serious Parental Health Shocks. Social Science Research Network, doi: 10.2139/SSRN.3564038\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eLake, B. M., Ullman, T. D., Tenenbaum, J. B., \u0026amp; Gershman, S. J. (2017). Building machines that learn and think like people. Behavioral and brain sciences, 40, e253.DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X16001837\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eMugisho, A. M. (2011). The Socio-Econonomic Integration Of Congolese Migrants In Johannesburg: \u0026lsquo;A Gendered Analysis\u0026rsquo; (Doctoral dissertation, University of Witwatersrand Johannesburg).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNicola, M., Alsafi, Z., Sohrabi, C., Kerwan, A., Al-Jabir, A., Iosifidis, C., ... \u0026amp; Agha, R. (2020). The socio-economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19): A review. International journal of surgery, 78, 185-193. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.04.018\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eOesterle, T. S., Kolla, B., Risma, C. J., Breitinger, S. A., Rakocevic, D. B., Loukianova, L. L., ... \u0026amp; Gold, M. S. (2020, December). Substance use disorders and telehealth in the COVID-19 pandemic era: A new outlook. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 95(12), 2709-2718.DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.10.011\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eUshe, U. M. (2015). Religious Conflicts and Education in Nigeria: Implications for National Security. Journal of education and practice, 6(2), 117-129.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Gender-based violence, COVID-19 pandemic, survivor experiences, community perceptions, social-ecological model, prevention strategies","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996582/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996582/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges globally, with a notable surge in gender-based violence (GBV) incidents. This descriptive, exploratory study conducted in the Golden Valley mining community in Kadoma, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, delves into the challenges faced by GBV survivors during and after the pandemic, alongside community perceptions of GBV in the post-COVID-19 era. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's Social-Ecological Model which offers insights into the various levels of influence on GBV behavior and experiences,aiding in the development of contextually relevant prevention strategies. The study used qualitative methods such as interviews and focus group discussions,There were 24 study participant classified by random and convenient sampling techniques including Traditional and community leaders, gbv surviours medical personnel and male and female, community members. The research followed the COREQ guidelines to transparently document the research process and findings. The research sheds light on the multifaceted nature of GBV exacerbated by societal norms and economic instability in a low-income, masculine-dominated work culture. Findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive prevention programs, effective legislation, and community engagement to address GBV in post-pandemic communities. The research provides valuable lessons for enhancing GBV prevention efforts globally, emphasizing the significance of survivor voices and addressing root causes of GBV.","manuscriptTitle":"A Quarantine Paradox: Understanding Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Post-COVID-19 Era: Insights from Golden Valley Mining Community, Zimbabwe","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-04-08 18:11:20","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996582/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2024-04-04T08:29:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2024-04-03T04:38:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2024-04-03T04:38:28+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Public Health","date":"2024-02-28T11:53:59+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-public-health","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"pubh","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Public Health](http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"https://www.editorialmanager.com/pubh/default.aspx","title":"BMC Public Health","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"em","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a1564d15-9a97-48f6-bd13-7cd9687a31dc","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 8th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-10-07T16:06:15+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-3996582","link":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20180-x","journal":{"identity":"bmc-public-health","isVorOnly":false,"title":"BMC Public Health"},"publishedOn":"2024-10-01 15:57:04","publishedOnDateReadable":"October 1st, 2024"},"versionCreatedAt":"2024-04-08 18:11:20","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1186/s12889-024-20180-x","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20180-x","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3996582","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3996582","identity":"rs-3996582","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}