The fight against domestic violence in the country has received new impetus following the launch of a set of rules intended to prevent domestic abuse and protect survivors of the vice. The protection Against Domestic Violence rules provide for individuals who suspect or fall victim to aggressive behavior, a legal redress to report their circumstances to relevant authorities and receive justice.
Speaking during the launch, the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action Cabinet Secretary, Aisha Jumwa, noted that all forms of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse witnessed in homes pose dire human rights situations that require concerted efforts, including a comprehensive legal framework, to solve.
CS Jumwa affirmed, while lauding the rules as momentous, the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all Kenyans through a cross-sectoral approach that addresses cultural and other forms of social biases that encourage sexual and gender-based violence.
“These rules emphasize prevention, intervention, and holistic support, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach that involves collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the community at large”, the CS said.
According to data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), more women than men are susceptible to sexual and physical assault. However, the rules seek to safeguard the rights of all people living in Kenya irrespective of their age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.
The PADV rules further allow victims or their representatives to apply for protection orders against a suspected perpetrator, provided that the complainant can prove the suspected aggression, threat, or a committed case of violence. CS Jumwa said the provision will ensure early detection and prevention of acts of violence while safeguarding the fundamental rights and dignity and of victims.
A representative of the Judiciary Rules Committee present at the launch urged sector players to bolster community engagement to popularize the rules and create public awareness about the existing redress mechanisms for cases of domestic violence now entrenched in law.
“I urge you to familiarize yourself with these rule and create public awareness by challenging social social and cultural norms that perpetuate domestic violence” Justice Wanjala said.
The launch of the Protection Against Domestic Violence rules now paves the way for the operationalization of the PADV Act of 2015.