Abstract:
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ABSTRACT
In Tanzania, 44% of women experience intimate partner violence, but high barriers
to reporting persist due to fear of retaliation, societal stigma, and insufficient police
response. This study examined the effectiveness of police intervention strategies in
combating Domestic Violence (DV) in Bukoba Municipality, Tanzania. The study
used a mixed research approach and a sequential explanatory research design; data
were collected through questionnaires and key-informant interviews. The study used
descriptive statistics analysis for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative
data. The study shows that 36(34.3%) of respondents viewed arrest protocols, and
safety planning positively in combating DV while community education initiatives
and policy campaigns received moderate ratings in addressing DV. Regarding the
response rate of police to reported DV, the study shows that 39(37.1%) rated it as
"good" and 34(32.4%) as "fair," while arrest and detainment, strategies ranked
lowest, with only 30(28.6%). Community policing was recognized as the most
effective strategy, appreciated by 39(37.1%) of respondents. However, regarding
barriers to reporting DV, the study identified fear of retaliation, social stigma, and
logistical challenges like distance to police stations as the main challenges. Also,
inadequate police support, economic dependence on abusers, and a complex legal
system undermine trust in victims of DV. The study concludes that community
policing and education initiatives were ranked as highly applicable strategies in
combating DV. However, fear of retaliation and social stigma were identified as
barriers to victims reporting DV incidences. The study recommends strengthening
community policing to combat DV, with governments allocating funds to improve
police resources, such as transportation, staffing, and training. This investment will
enhance law enforcement capacity and build community trust, encouraging more
victims to report abuse. Additionally, funding should support outreach programs,
reduce stigma, and facilitate monitoring and evaluation of DV initiatives.
Collaboration with NGOs will provide survivor-centered services and improve
coordination. Policymakers should amend laws to treat DV as a criminal issue and
ensure sustainable funding for National Plans of Action (NPAs). These efforts,
alongside knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, will help reduce DV cases and
shift societal norms
