Factors Contributing to Intimate Partner Violence and the Effectiveness of Services Available to Help Victims in Kisumu, Kenya.

Authors

Dianne Uwayo, SIT Study AbroadFollow

Home Institution

Wake Forest University

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Program Name

Kenya: Urbanization, Health, and Human Rights

Abstract

Gender Based Violence continues to be a global epidemic that physically, emotionally, sexually and economically affects women and girls worldwide. This study examines intimate partner violence, the most prevalent form of Gender Based Violence. The study seeks to determine the extent of IPV in Kisumu, Kenya as well as the factors which contribute to its prevalence in the city and the effectiveness of services available for IPV victims. Data was derived from face-to-face administered surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The salient findings of the study are that a majority of women in Kisumu are experiencing intimate partner violence. Factors which contribute to this abuse include poverty and unemployment, accusations of infidelity and partner mistrust, and cultural and traditional beliefs. In addition, services in the city to help IPV victims are present, however many women do not know about them. It is, therefore, the recommendation of this study that the services which provide assistance to IPV victims be more visible and transparent to members of the community. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Kenyan government make steps towards legally recognizing all forms of intimate partner violence.

Disciplines

Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence | Family, Life Course, and Society | Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Gender and Sexuality | Inequality and Stratification

Recommended Citation

Uwayo, Dianne, "Factors Contributing to Intimate Partner Violence and the Effectiveness of Services Available to Help Victims in Kisumu, Kenya." (2014). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 1766.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1766