The leaders and residents of Rwengyerero Cell, Rurehe Sub-county, Mitooma District have expressed their concern over the rampant increase in domestic violence cases in their area. The residents and leaders said this has become common in their community, leaving many families separated due to daily misunderstandings.
Speaking to Kente Rossete, the Chairperson LC I of Rwengyerero Cell explained that such domestic violence cases have been happening and are commonly caused by misunderstandings in families, especially where men fail to pay school fees for their children, leading to school dropouts and family conflicts. Kente added that other cases arise when men sell family property without the knowledge of other family members, resulting in misunderstandings.
Speaking to Muhimbo Evelyn, the Chairperson LC III Rurehe Sub-county, he explained that a major cause of violence in families is the coffee harvesting season, where men harvest coffee and sell it illegally without the knowledge of other family members, creating chaos in families. Muhimbo also explained that alcoholism is another cause, where many men return home drunk and easily create abrupt conflicts, increasing misunderstandings in families. However, Muhimbo noted that they usually hold village meetings to educate the public, which helps reduce domestic violence in families.
Speaking to Prossy Ninshaba, the Community Development Officer (CDO) at Rurehe Police Station, she explained that domestic violence is mainly caused by poverty, where many people fail to meet basic family needs, leading to conflicts. Prossy added that domestic violence is also caused by land wrangles, where family members lack clear land boundaries and end up in serious conflicts. She further noted that alcoholism contributes to violence, as both men and women return home drunk and start abrupt conflicts, increasing domestic violence cases.
However, Prossy explained that they hold meetings at all levels, offering counseling, sensitization, and education on income-generating activities to help people fight poverty. She said these efforts will continuously help reduce domestic violence in families.
