Selected approaches for conflict resolution in marriage disputes in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Realising an increase in marriages, an increase in marriage violence and a subsequent rise in marriage homicide, the study explored the possibility of taking divorce as a preferred option towards ending marriage violence and subsequent homicide. The triangulated study adopted a descriptive survey design which collected data through questionnaires that were distributed to 160 purposively  sampled participants. The study followed an anti-positivist approach which relies on depth rather than width of data. Data were analysed and interpreted using NVIVO software and dyadic analysis, which provided for the analysis of descriptive and statistical data. It was the study’s finding that marriage conflicts and homicide are rampant in Zimbabwe and the available resolution systems have lost relevance and effectiveness. The study, noted that while marriages are good for the development of any society, if there are irreparable differences between couples, there is need to separate or divorce under what the study calls ‘just divorce’. The study concludes that ’just divorce’ is basically meant to save lives while allowing divorcees to reconnect after they would have really made up their minds and addressed emotions. It takes national authorities to appreciate the essence of ‘just divorce’ for them to embrace it as a policy.

Key words: Marriage violence; Divorce; Marriage homicide; Family conflicts; Conflict resolution; Just Divorce