Moshi — CASES of domestic violence have been on increase in Kilimanjaro region as police records indicated that 375 cases had been reported between January and November 20 in the region.

Speaking at the occasion for preparation for 16 days of the fight against domestic violence in the world, ASP Grace Lyimo from the Regional Police Anti - Domestic Violence Desk in the region said a lot is desired for families to live in harmony. She said this year the number of reported domestic violence incidents increased compared to last year which stood at 210 cases in the region.

"Collection of information concerning domestic violence has been easy following measures taken by the police to introduce a special desk to educate the public to stop domestic violence in all districts," she said. ASP Lyimo said most of the cases concerned women and children who are mistreated by men with a few cases concerning men mistreated by women.

"Data collected does not only mean that the problem has grown but also indicated awareness among the community to report such matters to relevant authorities," Lyimo explained.

More than 30 Non Governmental Organization (NGOs) in Northern Zone are joining together in the 16 days of the world campaign to fight against domestic Violence, the campaign is led by Women's Global Leadership.

Speaking with reporters on behalf of those NGO's the Chairperson of the preparation Committee, Ms Honoratha Raymond from NAFGEM said culture is also the problem in increasing domestic violence in the area.

She said most of domestic violence cases end at police stations or at the preliminary hearing in the court of law because most of the people reconcile and settle the matter out of court.

She also said the problem of female genital mutilation has declined in Kilimanjaro Region from 37 per cent in 1996 to 21.7 per cent this year. The campaign is expected to start on 25 November through December 10 this year.