Human rights activists have urged Kwale residents to report suspected cases of domestic violence against women and girls.
The new development comes amid the surging GBV cases and teen pregnancies in the region.
The cases have been on a steady rise since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last year, the region had over 50 reported cases between March and October.
Recently, Kwale recorded more than 10 reports, most including homicides and over 9000 teen pregnancy as per statistics by Coalition On Violence Against Women organization.
The activists from Sauti Ya Wanawake led by Millicent Odhiambo said relevant agencies and mechanisms to deal with GBV cases are in abundance, but cases should be reported for action to be taken.
Odhiambo said people opt to suffer in silence, to sacrifice for their children, promoting the vice.
The orphans and the poor are the most affected.
“Some women decide to bear the pain because they feel that they won’t do well outside marriage and the outcome is devastating,” she said.
The activist urged the residents to be on high alert in identifying possible GBV cases and go for help when they still can.
Odhiambo said if the abuse is not highlighted, it might lead to murder or suicide.
She said the victims are psychologically disturbed and don’t see a way out.
The officer cautioned women against staying in unhealthy relationships.
She said being in wedlock full of violence and disunity is not only harmful to the women but also to children.
Odhiambo said people must resist any form of domestic violence and report the perpetrators.
She however expressed disappointment that there are several cases where violent men are arrested but wives run to police stations or courts demanding their husbands to be released.
Odhiambo said the perpetrators of crimes against women and children must not go unpunished.
She called on the Kwale government to come up with county gender bills to heighten the fight against GBV.
Odhiambo urged the courts to prioritise GBV cases and conclude them quickly for the victims to get justice.
The right defender said dragging of GBV cases weakens them and demoralises the victims forcing the affected families to give up.
Odhiambo spoke in Diani last Friday while launching the Amplifying Survivor Voices book.
The book was written by Equality Now in partnership with Sauti Ya Wanawake.
It contains voices of GBV victims designed to enhance the spread of GBV awareness messages.
“Majority of the affected people fear to open up that's why we interviewed them to share their experiences,” she said.
The officer said they believe the book will trigger the public to come out strongly to uproot the domestic violence menace.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
