Gender Based Violence among the Clergy in Zambia: Interview Study with Pastors in Zambian Churches

Employing both quantitative and qualitative paradigms, this study investigated sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among church members and its effects on victims, focusing on selected churches under the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia in Lusaka District. SGBV remains a pervasive global challenge and is increasingly prevalent in many African countries, including Zambia, despite ongoing interventions by various stakeholders. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach: quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 100 respondents and analyzed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 12 clergy members and analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that the most common forms of gender-based violence within church communities include physical, sexual, economic, and psychological abuse. Clergy members frequently provide counseling to victims; however, victims continue to experience severe consequences such as family breakdown, substance abuse, psychological trauma, and, in some cases, death. Notably, some victims later become perpetrators, perpetuating cycles of violence. The study further found that clergy often adopt reconciliatory approaches—even in severe cases requiring legal intervention—due to limited training and institutional guidance on handling SGBV. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for clergy education and institutional frameworks to effectively address SGBV. Churches must promote awareness, create safe reporting mechanisms, and collaborate with support services to empower victims and ensure justice