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Background Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a Global issue that touches people of all backgrounds. In the Tanzanian context, it is a challenge that is exacerbated by the cultural attitudes surrounding personal relationships and the lack of consequences for perpetrators. Many women in Tanzania have reported being victims of IPV and some even feel that IPV is justified in certain cases. Basic causes of IPV include poverty, gender norms that reinforce the inequalities between men and women. The effects of IPV on women’s health are varied, ranging from physical injury to postpartum depression. While current laws like the Sexual Offenses Special Provisions Act of 1998 and the Law of Marriage Act of 1971 address sexual violence and condemn spousal corporal punishment, they do not encompass all forms of IPV. Resources such as the gender desk also exist, but their capacities are limited (Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 2015).
Objective/aims The aim of this case study is to analyze the policies and limitations surrounding IPV in Tanzania as well as to suggest recommendations that would decrease IPV prevalence and improve the quality of care available to victims of IPV.
Methodology This was a cross section qualitative study design. Information was obtained from scientific literature as well as stakeholder interviews with professionals of various backgrounds that directly dealt with IPV. The sampling was purposive and done by snow balling technique.
Conclusion Research led to the conclusion that while intimate partner violence is being addressed in both the formal and informal sectors, there is a gap in the legal provisions regarding IPV. Furthermore, while there are formal resources available, cultural attitudes towards how IPV should be dealt with have led to an underutilization of these services. This can be done through the implementation of educational campaigns that strive to shape cultural attitudes towards IPV. Outreach to rural locations would help meet the demand for the services in less population-dense areas. With the adoption of these policy recommendations, the barriers that currently prevent many victims of IPV from seeking and receiving help can be more effectively addressed |
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