Assessing Community Policing Strategies For Mitigating Domestic Violence in Mara Region Tanzania

Abstract

his study aimed at assessing the extent to which community policing strategies have contributed to reducing domestic violence in Rorya District in Mara Region, Tanzania. Specifically by identifying the extent to which community policing strategies contributed to reducing domestic violence and increasing community safety; assessing the extent to which communities are aware of these strategies; and examining the challenges faced by community policing strategies in Rorya District. The study employed an interpretivist philosophy and a qualitative research approach to assess the effectiveness of community policing strategies in mitigating domestic violence in Rorya District, Tanzania. A case study design focused on five wards with active community policing initiatives, where data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. Purposive sampling selected 33 participants including community members, local leaders, and police officers and data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes related to the study objectives. Ethical considerations such as informed consent and confidentiality were strictly adhered to, and a pilot study was conducted to refine data collection instruments, ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings. The findings demonstrate that community policing strategies, such as regular patrols, community meetings, and awareness campaigns, have reduced domestic violence within the community, and the community members feel safe to report cases of domestic violence. These strategies have been constrained by several challenges. Such challenges include lack of resources, cultural resistance, inadequate training for officers, lack of cooperation from community members, coordination problems among stakeholders, resistance from traditional leaders, and lack of awareness among young people. The study concludes that. Community policing is necessary for reducing domestic violence but is constrained by limited resources and cultural barriers. Increased funding for community policing initiatives, training of officers, and community engagement through targeted outreach and intergenerational dialogue are critical to addressing these challenges.. Enhancing community policing effectiveness in Rorya District requires increased funding, specialized training, community awareness initiatives, and collaboration among stakeholders to address domestic violence effectively.