It’s estimated that 14% of Kenyan women and 6% of men aged 15-49 have experienced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Kenya is a patriarchal society, where men and women are raised differently. This upbringing creates imbalances in the power relations between them. This has mostly affected how men and women are perceived to behave in the community. To add to this different myths, and false beliefs – misconceptions contribute to rape, while the rape victims, are not taken seriously and end up being abused each and every day. Very few people report cases especially those in marriages, boys or those being raped by family members due to fear.
This initiative looks at a plan of action for Multi-Sectoral Response that will follow a comprehensive strategy on combating Sexual Violence in Kenya. It will serve as a platform for action and a basis for discussion and should be seen as a dynamic document that needs to be adjusted, based on practice. The aim of this component is to develop a common framework for the key actors involved in programming activities in relation to reproductive health, psychosocial assistance and reintegration. Its aim is to help different stakeholders to work together in combat impunity when it comes to cases of Sexual violence, and also involves access to justice for survivors and protection of those who have not been affected yet. The intention is:
To improve access of survivors to health, psychosocial and reintegration/judicial assistance,
To ensure the problem of sexual violence is avoided or combated before it happens. This is through identifying key loopholes that lets sexual offenders free,
Identify key areas to engage communities in sexual education especially in schools and community Barazas and create solutions and follow–up mechanisms at the local/ community level.
The project will also help in discussing sexual offences in families and education to help parents identify sexual predators in there families and report them before they act.
It also aims at opening counselling/Psychological centers in all wards to help provide their services in schools, health centers and homes with the help of already kept frameworks.
Also provide a platform for those affected to help educate and speak out to young people who can be easily be swayed by sex offenders.
An effective response to sexual violence is complex as several aspects of current initiatives, interventions and programs need to be improved in order to combat the problem before it occurs. This will allow for more effective and life-saving responses for victims, and also those who are being prayed upon. The project looks at having better access to services and a clearer delineation of roles and responsibilities for key agencies, individuals and the government in combating sexual offences.
Overall objective
The program seeks to combat sexual violence before it happens through the education systems, offices, homes and community Barazas. This is by the help of the health sector, security sector and learning institutions.
