In Kenya, reporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is supported by laws such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act.
Survivors can report at police stations (Gender Desks), health facilities, or call the national GBV toll-free helpline 1195. On paper, the system exists.
However, reality on the ground is mixed.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), about 1 in 3 women aged 15–49 has experienced physical violence, yet many cases go unreported.
Fear of stigma, economic dependency, retaliation, and long court processes discourage survivors. In some instances, survivors have reported being asked to pay for P3 forms despite directives that they should be free. Others face insensitive questioning that makes them relive trauma.
While awareness campaigns and police gender desks have improved access in some areas, reporting is still not fully survivor-friendly across all counties. Rural areas especially face challenges such as distance to facilities and lack of shelters.
Kenya has made progress, but for reporting to be truly friendly, survivors must feel safe, believed, protected, and supported from the moment they speak up.
Do you think the system is working where you live?
Survivors can report at police stations (Gender Desks), health facilities, or call the national GBV toll-free helpline 1195. On paper, the system exists.
However, reality on the ground is mixed.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), about 1 in 3 women aged 15–49 has experienced physical violence, yet many cases go unreported.
Fear of stigma, economic dependency, retaliation, and long court processes discourage survivors. In some instances, survivors have reported being asked to pay for P3 forms despite directives that they should be free. Others face insensitive questioning that makes them relive trauma.
While awareness campaigns and police gender desks have improved access in some areas, reporting is still not fully survivor-friendly across all counties. Rural areas especially face challenges such as distance to facilities and lack of shelters.
Kenya has made progress, but for reporting to be truly friendly, survivors must feel safe, believed, protected, and supported from the moment they speak up.
Do you think the system is working where you live?
