OTISO AND AKINYI: Domestic violence still a threat, let's end it

Domestic violence cases in the country have continued to be on the rise despite calls to address it.

The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014, indicated that about one in four women have reported cases of domestic violence.

Factors such as low levels of education, religion, socioeconomic status,  peer pressure from friends, and greed for money have been cited as some of the causes of domestic violence.

The victims have been affected mentally and physically.

It's high time the government and concerned stakeholders addressed this issue for a peaceful society.

Under the sustainable development goals, all countries including Kenya committed to ending all forms of gender-based violence by 2030, but efforts to prevent and respond to cases of domestic violence against women in Kenya are too slow.

Part of this is due to weak institutional capacities.

Victims don't report what's happening to them, less than half of women sought assistance from any source to stop the violence they experienced.

Addressing domestic violence requires a coordinated and multi-sectoral approach that involves all sections of society.

The victims of domestic violence should speak up and be ready to seek help from police and other organizations without fear.

The authorities should thereafter ensure the victims have access to a safe environment, timely medical treatment and financial assistance.

Since Kenya adopted a gender-based violence indicator in June 2021, it should now ensure that the enforcement and implementation of GBV laws and policies are tracked.

Government should allocate additional resources to prevent and respond to domestic violence cases.

In addition to that, men and boys should be sensitised through community mobilisation activities by community health volunteers, women groups and civil society organisations.

Women and girls must also be educated on their rights to be free from violence and directed on where to seek help in case of GBV.

Communication students at Rongo University

 

Edited by Kiilu Damaris