The media and domestic violence in Zimbabwe


Date: August 5, 2011
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In spite of the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence is still prevalent in fictional work such as drama and soaps on the only station in Zimbabwe. This study concentrates mainly on physical abuse as depicted in locally produced fictional programs. Viewers look forward to these but they are also heavily influenced by the actors, especially the young viewers. It is not uncommon to hear people discussing or arguing about characters in soaps and drama as if they are real. The researchers note that the Domestic Violence Bill might have been passed into an act but there should be a concerted effort to re-orient the art producers to ensure that their work is compliant with the furtherance of the philosophy of a violent-free family and society. Many artists we contend have never read the contents of the said Act and as such they are unconsciously peddling an archaic and retrogressive set of values when it comes to family relations and as such the producers of the family television station should reach out and conscientize those who supply them with the art works about the dictates of the Act. The study covers a period of about four months that is August to December 2007 during which different locally produced soaps and dramas were analyzed.


Publisher: Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pennsylvania
Edition: Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa (Volume 12, No.1, 2010)

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