Report on sexual violence released

Kisumu, Kenya: A report released yesterday has shown that sexual violence cases in the county often double during school holidays.

Figures contained in the report, obtained from Kisumu Central Police Station, indicate the reported cases of sexual violence rise from an average of three to four per day to between seven and 10 cases daily.

The report, An Assessment of Gender-Based Violence and Responses in Kisumu County of Kenya, was commissioned by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in partnership with USAid under the Peace Initiative Kenya programme.

VULNERABLE CHILDREN

Speaking at a Kisumu hotel during launch of the report, IRC Gender Programme Officer Ruth Oywaya said those most affected are school children and those with disabilities, with the highest cases coming out of the sprawling slums of Manyatta, Obunga and Nyalenda.

The report notes that the justice sector reforms, which have permitted lawyers to prosecute sexual violence cases, have led to an increased number of victims seeking justice.

However, it notes that informal dispute resolution mechanisms, spearheaded by clan elders and some chiefs, thwart victims' efforts to get justice.

"The community attaches a lot of value to informal dispute resolution mechanisms as opposed to courts of law," Ms Oywaya said.

The report also raised concerns that sexual violence victims are being charged between Sh500 and Sh1,000 for a P3 form which, according to the law, should be given for free.

The research was carried out between March and May 2014.