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Family & Social Support

Getting Help for Gender-Based and Domestic Violence in Malawi

updated on : Saturday, 7 Nov, 2026 · 2 min read · from 4 official sources

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Table of contents
  • The Malawi Police Service Victim Support Unit provides assistance to survivors of psychological, emotional and physical abuse and offers psychosocial support including counselling13
  • You can report cases to the Victim Support Unit, Community Policing Committee, or the nearest police station5
  • Service providers approved to help victims of domestic violence include police, community policing forums, faith-based organizations and non-governmental organizations6
  • If you need urgent medical attention, go to the nearest health facility first, then report to the Victim Support Unit or police as soon as possible5

The Victim Support Unit (VSU) is operated by the Malawi Police Service and provides assistance to women, girls, children and men of all ages who suffer psychological, emotional and physical abuse.1 The facility offers psychosocial support and counselling to survivors of gender-based violence.3 The VSU is designed to empower survivors to speak out and encourage others to seek help.1

Where to report

You can report gender-based violence or domestic violence to the Malawi Police Service Victim Support Unit, any police station, or your local Community Policing Committee.5 Service providers approved to help victims of domestic violence also include faith-based organizations, Government institutions and non-governmental organizations.6

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If you need urgent help

If you require urgent medical attention, go to the nearest health facility first.5 Once you have received medical treatment, report the case to the Community Policing Committee or Police Victim Support Unit at the first available opportunity to ensure prompt investigation.5

What to report

You can report cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence including rape or sexual assault, child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.5

Official sources

  1. New Victim Support Unit brings hope to Jali residents police.gov.mw · archived copy
  2. Detailed Situation Analysis of Sexual Harrassment in the Work Place in Malawi mhrcmw.org · PDF
  3. Revised ESMP Kambadwe Cooperative June 09 2026 gender.gov.mw · PDF
  4. Malawi Prevention of Domestic of Violence Act of 2006 en gender.gov.mw · PDF · archived copy

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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