Domestic violence in Kenya

Domestic violence in Kenya constitutes any harmful behavior against a family member or partner, including rape, assault, physical abuse, and forced prostitution.[1] Domestic violence in Kenya reflects worldwide statistics in that women are the overwhelming majority of victims. Over 40% of married women in Kenya have reported being victims of either domestic violence or sexual abuse.[2] Worldwide, over 30% of "ever-partnered women" aged 15 and older have experienced physical or sexual partner violence.[3] The distinct factors and causes of this high percentage have often not been studied due to lack of data.[2]

Factors such as low levels of education, religion, and socioeconomic status all are relevant when looking at the causes of domestic violence in Kenya.[2] Sexual coercion is prevalent in Kenya and often leads to abuse as well.[4] Pregnant women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse because they are more likely to be in a relationship.[5] Pregnant women are often also economically or socially vulnerable, putting them at a higher risk for domestic violence due to the patriarchal dominance.[5] Unwanted pregnancies are often seen as the fault of the woman, leading to more abuse.[5] The gender roles in Kenya contribute to the acceptance of domestic abuse.[6]

Domestic violence also contributes to negative mental and physical health effects.[7] Negative outcomes of domestic violence include pregnancy loss, complications, hypertension, physical injuries, and stress. In recent cases deaths have been reported.[5] In addition, victims of domestic violence are more likely to contract HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.[8] Responses to domestic violence in Kenya include legal mandates[9] and programs set in place by social organizations.[8] Underreporting of domestic violence in developing countries is due to many reasons, including shame, financial barriers, lack of awareness of access to services, and distrust of healthcare worker].[3]

  1. ^ Heise, Lori L.; Raikes, Alanagh; Watts, Charlotte H.; Zwi, Anthony B. (November 1994). "Violence against women: A neglected public health issue in less developed countries". Social Science & Medicine. 39 (9): 1165–1179. doi:10.1016/0277-9536(94)90349-2. PMID 7801154.
  2. ^ a b c Kimuna, Sitawa R.; Djamba, Yanyi K. (30 January 2008). "Gender based violence: Correlates of physical and sexual wife abuse in Kenya". Journal of Family Violence. 23 (5): 333–342. doi:10.1007/s10896-008-9156-9. S2CID 31560333.
  3. ^ a b Palermo, T.; Bleck, J.; Peterman, A. (1 March 2014). "Tip of the Iceberg: Reporting and Gender-Based Violence in Developing Countries". American Journal of Epidemiology. 179 (5): 602–612. doi:10.1093/aje/kwt295. ISSN 0002-9262. PMC 3927971. PMID 24335278.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b c d Shamu, Simukai; Abrahams, Naeemah; Temmerman, Marleen; Musekiwa, Alfred; Zarowsky, Christina (8 March 2011). "A systematic review of African studies on intimate partner violence against pregnant women: prevalence and risk factors". PLOS ONE. 6 (3): e17591. Bibcode:2011PLoSO...617591S. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0017591. PMC 3050907. PMID 21408120.
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  8. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :5 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).