The voice of the abused is always silenced by intimidation, cunning and threats. With domestic violence, child abuse and stigmatization of people living with HIV, victims scared to report to relevant authorities. Consequently, trauma and low self-esteem take tool on the abused persons. Here are institutions offering support for abuse victims in Kenya:
- Wangu Kanja Foundation
The foundation is Wangu Kanja’s brainchild of 2005. Its objective was to support and advocate on behalf women affected by sexual violence such as rape. It serves hundreds of sexually abused women. Among others, Wangu Kanja offers medical care, counseling and legal support. Wangu is a rape victim survivor. She survived rape and carjacking in 2002. This motivated her to promote awareness and give hope to victims of abuse.
- Child Line Kenya
The NGO operates national child helpline 116. This allows the public to report cases of child abuse. The toll free helpline operates 24 hours with web-based helpline to break silence on child abuse. The organization works with volunteers who provide counseling to the distressed through the helpline .they also provide medical and post trauma services to the abused.
- The Federation of Women Lawyers – Kenya (FIDA-Kenya)
With its member consisting of over 500 women lawyers, FIDA provides legal advice to enable women access justice. The federation also participates in training women on culture that surpasses their rights such as female genital mutilation (FGM). They also advocate for implementation of laws that enhance women empowerment.
- Gender Violence Recovery Centre
Established in 2001, Gender Violence Recovery Centre is a charitable trust that is owned by Nairobi women’s group hospital. The trust provides medical and psychological support to sexual and domestic violence survivors. The program targets survivors who are disadvantaged and cannot pay for the services.
- Girl Child Network(GCN)
Based in Lang’ata Nairobi, Girl Child Network is a child right based organization that acts as voice for women in Kenya. It targets women and girls who are affected by HIV and AIDs and female genital mutilation. It was established in 1995, following the fifth women conference in Beijing. Mercy Nusomi the director and founder of GCN, was encouraged the hardships that girls undergo in rural areas.
- National association for adult survivors of child abuse, Kenya
Founded in 2009 by Bill Murray, NAASCA is an international organization that restores hope and healing for adult victims of abuse. The institution also trains communities on how to protect and prevent child abuse. To eradicate child abuse and trauma, adults are taught how to recognize a suspect. They have a hotline through which cases of rape and defilement are reported.
- Kenya Sex Workers Alliance
It seeks to end violence’s again sex workers who are subjected to harassment. There have been incidents where sex worker are assaulted by their customers and the police. The institution advocates for their rights.
- Rescue Dada
Rescue dada is a Kenya based organization that gives support to the street girl child. To enable them build their life from streets, the organization samples out girls from streets and rehabilitates them. During one-year rehabilitation, the girls are given life skills training and psychological support, for easy reunion with their families. Rescue Dada also supports families of the victims to deter the girls from going back to street life. At least 70 girls aged 15-16 benefit from the program every year. The organization also provides education through sponsorship to former street girls.
- National empowerment for people living with HIV/AIDS Kenya
NEPHAK is a nongovernmental organization that offers civic education on HIV/ IDS and tuberculosis. This aims at creating public awareness and understanding about the deceases thus reducing stigmatization.
- Heshima Kenya
The organization protects and empowers refugee girls who flee their home counties. Launched in 2016, the program provides healthcare and education to the refugee children and youths. Based in Nairobi, Heshima Kenya protects children with high risk of negligence.
By Catherine Akuku
