A study released by the Gender ministry shows that in the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, 5,009 GBV cases were reported through the national toll free helpline.
This was an increase of 36 per cent last year and most alarming was the 92 per cent increase between January and June that year.
GBV and domestic conflicts reduce bargaining power to negotiate for safer sex, stay on treatment or remain in school.
Many survivors remain helpless in such situations.
According to the study, the common types of GBV cases were physical assault, rape or attempted rape, murder, sexual offences, defilement, grievous harm, physical abuse, child marriages, psychological torture and child neglect.
The pandemic has exacerbated these cases with girls and women affected the most as they find themselves locked up with perpetrators in their communities.
GBV is deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence within our communities is a collective responsibility.
There is more to gender-based violence than a physical scar.
There is emotional violence when someone takes down your self-esteem, there is psychological violence when someone keeps telling others that they are not good enough, they’ll never be good enough.
Women and girls are killed and more often than not, the perpetrator is known to them.
We have an opportunity to make a difference for the better and every one of us has a role to play. Let us stop the violence and instead fight the pandemic.
There is a need to have prompt gender violence response systems from legal redress to psycho-social support for survivors most especially during this pandemic, that we all live in a violence-free society.
The gender ministry should create awareness about the toll-free line 1195 to encourage people to report GBV cases, perpetrators should be prosecuted for justice to be served, the health ministry should continue to offer psycho-social support to all GBV victims and survivors.
Other ways to tame these cases include financial support to poverty-stricken families that risk experiencing GBV, communities should shun cultural beliefs that contribute to violence and safe houses should be established for victims and survivors.
GBV is a serious yet preventable social and health problem that can be avoided.
As we continue to mark and celebrate the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the government should protect our girls, boys, men and women.
The state should effect arrests, conduct proper investigations and prosecutions so that the perpetrators are brought to book.
Sexual reproductive health and rights advocate
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
