Domestic violence in Zambia: finding help and asking about protection orders
Put immediate safety first, find support and prepare a protection-order enquiry without confronting an abuser.
If you are in immediate danger, seek police or emergency medical help and a safer place if you can do so safely. You do not need to finish a checklist before asking for help. This guide is educational and cannot provide emergency assistance, assess your safety or obtain a court order.
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What this guide covers
- Prioritise immediate safety
- Ask about police and victim support
- Understand the protection-order enquiry
- Keep evidence only where safe
- Ask about shelter and practical support
- Plan safe communication
- Explain existing orders and further threats
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AI-assisted educational draft — practitioner review pending. Sources consulted . Source consultation does not certify current law or decide your rights.
How we prepare and review content →Official and institutional sources
- Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act, 2011 — Gender Division ↗
Officially hosted original Act, including protection-order provisions. Read with amendments and confirm the current procedure with a practitioner or registry.
- Anti-Gender-Based Violence (Amendment) Act, 2026 — National Assembly ↗
Act No. 28 of 2026 amends the Committee Schedule and has a conditional commencement provision. Consultation does not establish that the commencement condition has occurred.
- GBV and human trafficking support — Ministry of Community Development and Social Services ↗
Official description of shelter and case-management support functions. Availability, location and the support appropriate to a person’s situation must be confirmed directly.
- Applying for legal aid — Legal Aid Board ↗
Official application and assessment information. Eligibility and acceptance are determined by the Board.