Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

What Is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) means any harmful act committed against a person because of their gender. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic harm. GBV can happen in the home, workplace, school, community or public spaces.

Common forms of GBV:

• Physical violence: slapping, beating, choking, or other acts causing injury.
• Sexual violence: rape, forced sex, child sexual abuse or coercive sexual acts.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: insults, threats, humiliation or controlling behaviour.
• Economic abuse: denying access to money, work or basic needs.

Why GBV Happens

GBV is driven by unequal gender power relations, social and cultural beliefs that excuse violence, economic inequality and weak enforcement of laws.

Legal Protections in Kenya

• Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015)
• Sexual Offences Act (2006)
• Children Act (2022)

Immediate Steps

1. Get to safety and move away from danger.

2. Call the National GBV Toll-Free Helpline: 1195

3. Seek medical care within 72 hours after sexual violence.

Support Services

• Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC)
• National GBV Helpline 1195
• Police Gender Desks
• Hospitals and community support services

Your Rights

• Medical care
• Psychological support
• Legal protection and justice
• Confidential and respectful services