A human rights activist in Kisii county has decried the growing cases of gender-based violence (GBV), which he says greatly affects family stability and functioning. 

Muungano Gender Forum Coordinator Joel Machuka said stress related to loss of jobs and poverty is fuelling domestic violence in families, threatening to tear them apart. 

Official noted women and children are bearing the brunt of the brutality and some are unwilling to report the perpetrators to law enforcers for arrest and prosecution.

“Women are suffering sexual, physical, economic and psychological violence in silence.

That gives perpetrators a leeway to violate their rights with impunity,” Machuka said.

Speaking during the sixth day of the 16  Days of Activism GBV in Kisii Town at the weekend,, he challenged victims to report GBV cases for the law to take its course.    

Protect themselves

He challenged husbands to shun the vice and instead embrace dialogue to resolve conflicts.

Machuka said stakeholders have rolled out a programme to sensitise members of the public to shun  domestic violence to enhance peace in families.

He urged security officers and chiefs to arrest perpetrators of GBV and ensure they are taken to court and prosecuted  to ensure justice for the victims. 

“Human rights activists will sensitise  households to know the forms of violence and their rights so that they can fight for and protect themselves,” Machuka stated.

The co-ordinator urged the county government to set up a rescue centre to accommodate victims of GBV to ease their suffering and ensure they access free medical services at public hospitals to recover quickly.