The impact of delayed justice on the victim’s household in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Globally the issue of pre–trial detention placement is on the rise, and this has negative implications on the victim’s household members. Therefore, this study explores how delayed justice which leads to placement on prolonged pre-trial detention affects the victim’s family  or household members. In unpacking and understanding the study, the Social Disorganization Theory was used to examine and explore  how the delay affects a victim’s household. A qualitative research methodology was used to understand the experiences of family  members or households who had their members in prolonged pre-trial detention. A sample of 26 research participants who were  purposively selected for the study was used. The study findings highlighted that as a result of the victim’s placement on prolonged pre-  trial detention, the victim’s household members suffers in various fronts such, social labelling, stigmatization, broken marriages and  missed marriage opportunities, children’s educational outcomes are affected, household family members forced into debt, selling of  property or family gadgets, family members suffering from depression and or suicidal thoughts, denied family achievements as well as  relying on religion to bring solace during such hard times. The study findings highlight the need to address the issue of delayed justice  using robust measures so as not to compromise people’s lives as well as not to lead people into losing their trust in the processes of  justice and the judiciary.