Kitui Health executive Winnie Kitetu said cases of sexual and gender-based violence are on the rise in the county.
She said the problem has caused social and emotional disruption resulting in teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted illnesses, depression, fistula and dependency complications.
“We all know that violence against women is a violation of human rights. They experience both physical, emotional and sexual violence in both private and public places,” Kitetu said.
She said SGBV cuts across all genders but women bear the brunt, and in most cases they suffer in silence.
Kitetu, a trained clinical psychologist, said gender violence has serious implications on the mental health of victims.
“We are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. That is why there are many cases of suicide.
"Victims are engulfed in hopelessness and helplessness because of what has accosted them. They are ignorant of where or who to turn to. We cannot afford to turn a deaf ear,” she said.
The executive said survivors of SGBV face stigma and rejection by society and thus the need to counsel and guide them appropriately.
She also said increased drugs and substance abuse have a bearing to SGBV.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
