Gender-based violence: best practices in prevention and rehabilitation of victims in Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
The aim of this study was to document best practices among gender-based
violence (GBV) service providers for victims and survivors in Nairobi. This was in the
light of escalating cases of GBV despite the existence of a substantial number of service
providers.
The main objective of the study was to document good practices and make concrete
recommendations that could help design specific programmes to enhance service delivery
to victims and survivors of GBV. Specifically, the research wanted to establish the
initiatives involved in the prevention of GBV in Nairobi; to identify which of the
practices used by these initiatives worked and which ones did not; and to suggest
programmes that could be put in place to strengthen the fight against GBV in Kenya in
general.
The researcher used a structured questionnaire as the mam instrument of data
collection. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) content analysis software. The findings are presented in tables of
frequencies and percentages as well as graphs.
The study found that there is inadequate knowledge of the realities of GBV on the
ground. This study also revealed that service delivery programmes are underfunded, and
that the referral system for victims and survivors, and coordination among GBV service
providers are weak. There was also laxity in law enforcement and lack of designed health
responses to meet the needs of GBV victims and survivors.
The study, therefore, recommends that:
• Efforts be made at better coordination among GBV service providers.
• Statistics and data collection be improved and disaggregated by gender.
• Standardized processes and protocols for referral of victims be established.
• Livelihood support be integrated into gender-based violence services.
• Provision is made for ongoing training for and support to law enforcers.
• Formal justice system response be improved.
Citation
Master Of Arts in Gender and Development StudiesPublisher
University of Nairobi Institute Of Anthropology, Gender And African Studies