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Gender and Sex-based Violence Prevention
GSBVP Program Impact
TheLegal Support Center in Shinyalu district of Western Kenya fills the gaps in prosecution that prevent cases from reaching court. This takes place at the grassroots level and at no cost to the victims. It involves:
- Emergency medical treatment and long term psychological support for victims
- Preparing testimony and other evidence for court
- Directing victims through the process of reporting a crime
- Helping victims to pay the fees associated with reporting a crime (Ie medical examination, travel costs to courts), as necessary
- Engage proper authorities (Children's Office, District Hospital Manager, Land Commission) through extensive reporting and referral system, leading them to put pressure on local police to act
Volunteer Gender Based Violence Monitor Representatives hosting a seminar onPrevention and Response to Gender Based Violence at a local Baraza (Village meeting)
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Monitor receiving her Certificate of Performance |
Public Awareness Workshops
A very important component of the project to help prevent Gender Based Violence is the public awareness workshops conducted by monitors and KARE staff. In the quarter between July and September 2011, 11 workshops were conducted in village meetings, in schools and community based organizations, reaching over 800 community members. The workshops discussed laws upholding women's rights, and on how the community can help to prevent, respond to, and report Gender Based Violence and other crimes. The public awareness activities have been inspired by common misconceptions such as that many people felt that it was not wrong for a man to have sexual relations with a girl as long as physical force was not used. The workshops help clear up misconceptions and raise awareness that gender based violence is a problem that can be dealt with legally and socially.
Medical and Legal Support
Emergency medical support is offered to victims to prevent any delay in seeking attention due to lack of funds. Clients are also sponsored to receive psychological support from a trained trauma councilor to assist in the healing process. Between July and September 2011, the program began 25 new cases as well as continued existing ones.
A significant success story that has carried on since last year is the case of an 11 year old girl who was sexually assaulted by her influential and rich neighbour. KARE staff helped the mother take her daughter to the Kakamega district hospital and paid for the fees. KARE also assisted the mother in acquiring and filling out the correct legal forms to be reported to the police. The suspect went into hiding but has since been caught and charged using evidence gathered by KARE. On June 30th 2011, the accused was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Give the gift of justice for victims of sex- and gender-based violence this holiday season
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