Zimbabwe Protection Order

The Domestic Violence Act

The Domestic Violence Act (Chapter 5:16) provides protection for anyone who is a victim of domestic violence in Zimbabwe. Domestic violence includes:

Physical abuse — hitting, kicking, assault
Sexual abuse — forced sexual contact
Emotional/psychological abuse — threats, intimidation, harassment
Economic abuse — withholding financial resources, preventing work
Intimidation — threatening to harm the person or their children
Harassment — stalking, repeated unwanted contact

Who Can Apply?

A spouse or former spouse
A person in a cohabiting relationship
A family member (parent, child, sibling, grandparent)
Any person in a domestic relationship (includes house workers and tenants)
A police officer or social worker on behalf of the victim
Anyone can apply on behalf of a minor or incapacitated person

How to Apply

Report to the Police

Report the domestic violence at your nearest police station. This creates an official record and the police can provide immediate protection.

Go to the Magistrate's Court

Visit the magistrate's court in your area. You can apply even without a police report, but having one strengthens your application.

Complete the Application Form

Fill in the protection order application form. Describe the violence you have experienced or are threatened with. The court clerk or a victims' support officer will help you.

Interim Protection Order

The court can issue an interim (temporary) protection order immediately — sometimes on the same day — to protect you while the full hearing is arranged.

Full Hearing

The respondent is served with the application and given a chance to respond. The magistrate hears both sides and decides whether to grant a final protection order.

Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call the police (995 or your local police station). You can also go directly to the court for an urgent interim order.

What a Protection Order Can Do

Prohibit the respondent from committing domestic violence
Order the respondent to leave the shared home
Prohibit contact — no phone calls, messages, or approaching the complainant
Set a distance — the respondent must stay a specified distance away
Grant temporary custody of children to the complainant
Order maintenance to be paid
Order return of personal property

Duration

A protection order remains in force for 5 years unless the court specifies a different period. It can be renewed before expiry by applying to the court.

Violation Consequences

Violating a protection order is a criminal offence. The consequences include:

Arrest without a warrant — police can arrest the violator immediately
Fine
Imprisonment — up to 2 years
Or both a fine and imprisonment

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a protection order cover?

A protection order can prohibit the respondent from committing domestic violence, entering the complainant's home, contacting the complainant, and can order the respondent to stay a certain distance away.

How long does a protection order last?

A protection order remains in force for 5 years unless the court specifies a different period. It can be renewed before expiry.

What happens if someone violates a protection order?

Violating a protection order is a criminal offence. The offender can be arrested without a warrant and faces a fine, imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both.

Does a protection order cost anything?

No. Protection order applications are free of charge. You do not need a lawyer — the court clerk will help you complete the forms.