Breaking the silence on Intimate Partner Violence

In the space of a few days, two women - Nelly Wanjiru and Rebecca Cheptengei - have been victims of violence at the hands of their partners. Nelly is currently recovering in hospital after her partner scalded her with boiling water, while Rebecca, who was set on fire by her boyfriend, sadly succumbed to her injuries.

Rebecca's case is part of a disturbing trend of female athletes dying as a result of intimate partner violence, highlighting the growing number of athletes, among many others, who are losing their lives to this escalating crisis.

These cases highlight the pervasiveness of intimate partner violence (IPV) and are a stark reminder of the reality for some women in relationships, where instead of basking in the bliss and love of a relationship, theirs becomes a source of pain, fear and worry.

The World Health Organization has defined IPV as behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm. IPV has also been described as abuse or aggression that occurs within a romantic relationship. Authors such as Loraine Eber have referred to it as "murder by instalment". Despite advances in legislation and increased awareness, the shadow of IPV looms large, affecting the safety, well-being and future of countless women and girls in the country.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, in 2022 34 per cent of women in Kenya between the ages of 15 and 45 have experienced IPV. The high incidence of IPV is indicative of the power dynamics in society. Men continue to exercise power and control, depriving women of their rights to equality, human dignity and even bodily integrity.

The prevalence of IPV in Kenya is driven by deeply entrenched cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and limited implementation of existing legal frameworks. Social perceptions have also normalised the subjugation and control of women, thereby normalising and perpetuating domestic violence.

We have heard of communities that view physical violence against women as a sign of love and affection; such norms only serve to exacerbate and justify IPV. These factors are compounded by the intersectionality of poverty and inequality, trapping women in a vicious cycle of violence.

Despite the overwhelming number of cases of IPV, many women suffer in silence and choose to remain in these relationships due to fear of retaliation, cultural expectations and financial dependency.

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In addition, the justice system can be slow and does not always provide survivors with an adequate remedy, further discouraging them from reporting violence. Even with protective legal frameworks in place, such as the Sexual Offences Act 2006 and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act 2015, there are still gaps in enforcement and survivors continue to suffer in silence.

While the government is responsible for fulfilling its mandate to protect women from violence, there is a need for collective responsibility to strengthen efforts to combat the vice. Community-based organisations, private sector actors and individuals have key roles to play, including raising awareness, changing attitudes, and holding the government and relevant structures accountable to their duties.

It is also an individual duty to develop emotional intelligence and acceptable conflict resolution mechanisms. Violence is not and can never be an answer to an aggrieved individual.

The author is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and an expert in human rights and reproductive health advocacy.