This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
Half of Kenyan Young Adults Experienced Violence as Children ¶
Published on July 16, 2020
A new study by the Kenyan government has revealed that at least half of young adults in the country experienced violence as children. The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that 46% of young women and 52% of young men aged 18-24 faced physical, emotional, or sexual violence during their childhood.
Speaking at the launch of the 2019 Violence Against Children Survey, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said the survey provides a strong planning tool for combating all forms of violence against children in the country.
Chelugui noted that while the prevalence of childhood violence has declined since the last survey in 2010, the overall rate remains too high. He also expressed concern about the increase in recent sexual violence experienced by girls aged 13-17 years.
The survey found that children who experience physical, sexual, and emotional violence are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. Chelugui also highlighted the high level of tolerance for violence, including corporal punishment and negative gender norms among children and young people.
Maniza Zaman, Representative of UNICEF Kenya, praised the government for prioritizing data on violence against children, which allows for review of trends and progress. She noted that the survey has some disturbing findings, including the exacerbation of the situation by COVID-19 and containment measures.
US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter emphasized the importance of sound and comprehensive data in making informed decisions about policies and programs to improve lives, especially for the most vulnerable children.
The government has launched a public behavior change campaign, 'Spot it, Stop it,' to create awareness about violence against children and how to prevent and report it. A child-friendly booklet on protecting children against violence has also been developed to assist children in understanding the various kinds of violence and where to seek help.
