| dc.description.abstract | Sexual violence (SV) in all its forms is universal and occurs in every culture, and level of society in all nations and creed. In most cases survivors are women and girl children but men of various ages are also involved. Sexual violence is thus a global problem socially and spatially, affecting every population and all gender groups. In Kenya this problem is wide spread.
Health institutions have a major impact on the immediate and future health of the survivor.
The first contact of a survivor at the health institution influences the physical, sexual, reproductive and psycho-social well being of the survivor and the reintegration into society. The ideal set up is to ensure that the survivor is comprehensively managed at the first health institution where they seek help and ensure efficient and immediate transfer to a better equipped unit when necessary.
The study was a baseline survey aimed at assessing the level of preparedness of Kenyan Health Institutions to comprehensively handle the ever increasing SV survivors especially during unexpected situations such as was seen during the 2007/2008 post election clashes. A sample of fourteen different levels of medical institutions as per the classification by the Ministry of Health of public medical institutions was audited.
The audit was conducted between August and November 4th 2009. Data collected covered a six months period from March to August 2009. Of special interest was the composition of staff, physical facilities, laboratory support, availability of essential drugs and record keeping. Also noted was the negative attitude of the staff towards the enumerators and by extension towards the survivors.
The results revealed widespread lack of preparedness to provide comprehensive care for survivors of sexual violence. Inadequate or absence of infrastructure, inadequate or poor deployment of skilled staff, lack of essential drugs, unreliable laboratory back up and non-existent forensic material collection. The lack of communication among medical, legal and police arms was widespread at all levels of facilities.
Institutions that had integrated GBVRC services alongside the rest of the hospital activities registered more sexual violence survivors. This is positive in that the community is aware of the existence of such services. These GBVRCs are externally funded and this translated to more comprehensive care as was evident in one referral hospital which was also the only institution with an Outreach program for survivors of Sexual violence.
In conclusion none of the audited Kenyan medical institutions are prepared to comprehensively handle survivors of sexual violence. One private hospital is uniquely situated by its reputation as the GBV centre and therefore handles many survivors of SV. One institution alone however cannot manage the whole country's GBV survivors. The Kenya Government should prioritize gender based violence and integrate GBVRCs in all districts, provincial and national hospitals to comprehensively handle all its aspects. Improvement of infrastructure, laboratory and reliable supply of essential drugs should be addressed. Specific training of all cadres of medical staff, the police and the legal arm of the 'government in handling gender based violence should be implemented in their curriculum and continuous education. | en_US |
