By Chris Obong’o
“A case of sexual abuse of a girl, 12, in class 6 in Mukuru kwa Njenga Primary school in Nairobi was reported to the police. Her father was known to be a violent person. He frequently abused the mother. One day, when the mother was away, the girl was raped by her drunk father. She was found bleeding and in severe pain in the house by the neighbors.â€
The African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect reported this story on June 16, 2014 in an online article. Even though the police arrested the abusive father, he stayed in jail for just four months and the case was “killed†by the family.
In September 2014, the Standard Newspaper reported that teachers from Homabay County had sexually abused and impregnated 200 pupils. Similar stories from other counties have appeared in Kenya’s major dailies over the past six months.
Considering only a fraction of such cases end up in newspaper reports, it is not surprising that the first national survey of violence against children in Kenya in 2014 reported that about a third (31.9%) of Kenyan women experience at least one episode of sexual abuse before reaching age 18.
According to the world health organization (WHO), child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent.
This definition covers all forms of abuse and exploitation of children as long as they are of a sexual nature, including completed nonconsensual sex acts, attempted nonconsensual sex acts, abusive sexual contact, and noncontact sexual abuse. It also includes what the Sexual Offences Act, 2006 of Kenya defines as indecent act—any intentional non-penetrative act, which causes any contact between the genital organs of a person, his or her breasts and buttocks with that of another person; or exposure or display of any pornographic material to any person against his or her will.
The sexual health consequences of child sexual abuse are also well defined. However, beyond the obvious sexual health consequences of child sexual abuse—increased risk of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, teen pregnancy, early sexual initiation, repeat sexual abuse—there are more deleterious psychological health consequences. Unfortunately, many of these psychological consequences are not recognized or given attention in much of Africa.
Despite the elaborate legal and scholarly definition, a proper understanding of child sexual abuse must include the social meanings given to the “sexual acts†labelled abusive. These meanings determine and explain community perceptions and response or non-response to child sexual abuse. The oxford dictionary defines abuse as “[to] use (something) to bad effect or for a bad purpose; misuse.†What is considered “proper use†is a function of social meanings, and is best demonstrated in the manner in which society exercises power and authority.
Because parents, other adult caregivers and teachers are the primary symbol of power and authority, their lack of regard for children’s privacy, their use of physical abuse as means to teach discipline, and their preference for torture and emotional abuse for correction may play a major role in perpetuating social meanings of abuse, and normalizing “misuse.†Consequently, children are brought up understanding abuse as something they ought to go through as part of normal functioning of society.
They do not recognize it as abuse, they may not relate the consequences with the experience, and they are less likely to report it to anyone. Moreover, as they grow up, violence and abuse become proper and socially acceptable ways to engage with others that they feel they have physical superiority over.
It is no wonder our adult relationships, including marital relationships, are characterized by “normalized†abuse. In the 2008/9 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, at least 47% of ever-married women reported having experienced spousal or partner physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Some have called for stiffer penalties for child sexual abuse. Whereas I agree with these calls, a review of Kenyan laws shows that we have some of the most progressive anti-sexual abuse laws in Africa. As we seek a better legal framework , we need to strengthen implementation of existing laws.
A sustainable solution however cannot solely rely on the legal and justice systems. Suppose we arrested all the men perpetrators, the women who sexually abuse boys and everyone who failed in their duty to report cases of child sexual abuse, will we have anyone left to implement the arrests, to try the cases and to manage the prisons?
We must make it socially unacceptable for anyone, not just a man, to resort to violence and abuse of any kind as a way of addressing a controversy. We can do this through leadership, by not allowing individuals to claim unfairness when we isolate them from leadership positions because of credible sexual or physical abuse accusations.
Most importantly, we can address the root causes of child sexual abuse through our schools and homes, which provide the ideal environment for modeling respect for each other. I choose these two because they steward our children during the most formative stage of their lives.
Schools should provide an environment supportive of healthy competition, encouraging and celebrating of divergent opinion, and respectful of the most vulnerable. At home, parents and caregivers will need to structure a protective environment that prevents all forms of abuse, and responds timeously to all suspected and disclosed abuse. As individuals, we must provide all the support we can to people close to us who experience sexual abuse.
Finally, sexual violence activists must begin considering men as partners rather than as targets. Men are fathers, brothers, husbands, bosses, leaders. Men are also perpetrators and victims. Some men such as fathers, doctors and police officers are in positions of determining any action against alleged perpetrators.
Furthermore, survivors of sexual abuse need the comfort of trusted men to overcome the trauma and to erase the picture of an abusive life. We can achieve much by engaging instead of confronting each other. If you have children as beautiful as mine—ALL children are beautiful—then you need to make prevention and reporting of all and any cases of child sexual abuse your priority.
best leadership coaching programs says
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Laverne Nadel says
Hi! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have here on this post. I am returning to your web site for more soon.
outreach advertising says
Fastidious answer back in return of this question with real arguments and explaining all on the topic of that.|
Read Here says
I am very interested when reading your article. Oh yes, I also made an article, please visit.
wholesale solvent says
all the time i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading here.|
immobilienmakler dresden says
very nice post, i undoubtedly enjoy this amazing site, carry on it
ssg movers says
Dubai Movers strives to use you the most ideal extraction and also storage remedies for people and also services. Our company do work in collaboration along with local area extraction providers to ensure your move is professional as well as smooth despite where you transfer to.
immobilienhändler dresden says
You made several fine points there. I did a search on the topic and found nearly all persons will have the same opinion with your blog.
Aletha Lish says
Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing, great written and come with almost all important infos. I would like to look more posts like this .|
weed killers pop over to these guys says
I’m impressed, I have to say. Really not often do I encounter a weblog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you may have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the problem is something that not sufficient individuals are speaking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled across this in my search for one thing regarding this.
London local locksmiths says
It’s awesome to pay a quick visit this website and reading the views of all mates on the topic of this piece of writing, while I am also keen of getting knowledge.|
granite flooring pros and cons says
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Keywords: says
I really like what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the good works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.|
Darci Shintaku says
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
website marketing company sydney says
Great delivery. Great arguments. Keep up the great effort.|
dubai movers price says
The Dubai Relocating & Storage organization was found in 1930, as well as they are still providing the furniture relocating demands of their buyers. The company was at first created to relocate furnishings alone, but its scope of company has actually increased greater than normal furniture relocating solution.
multicheck ict says
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However think about if you added some great visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site could certainly be one of the very best in its niche. Excellent blog!|
locuri de munca londra says
you are in point of fact a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a great job on this matter!|
ID God says
Hello! I’ve been following your web site for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!|
new link says
Hi there friends, how is everything, and what you would like to say about this post, in my view its truly awesome designed for me.|
CBD Lube says
I all the time used to study paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of internet therefore from now I am using net for articles, thanks to web.|
hh cashflow finance says
fantastic publish, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t realize this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
delight movers contact says
Relocating Relocating gives its own clients an assortment of services for relocating and also self-packing and also unpacking within the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
CBD Dog Treats says
Hi there, its nice post about media print, we all be aware of media is a enormous source of information.|
read this h1-b denial says
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Best CBD Products says
Ahaa, its good dialogue concerning this article at this place at this webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting at this place.|
Read More says
I am very interested when reading your article. Oh yes, I also made an article, please visit.
CBD for Dogs says
For most up-to-date news you have to pay a quick visit internet and on internet I found this web page as a best web site for newest updates.|
CBD Lube says
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day. It’s always useful to read articles from other writers and practice a little something from other sites. |
haus verkaufen vor scheidung says
Thanks for the great post on your blog, it really gives me an insight on this topic.:-:;”
diamond pads for marble says
I’m still learning from you, while I’m improving myself. I definitely enjoy reading everything that is written on your blog.Keep the tips coming. I liked it!
kbc winner says
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next write ups thank you once again.|
Join Us says
Your article makes perfect sense. Writing that is worth reading. oh yeah btw also visit my website. Thanks
Bathroom renovations London says
Thanks for finally writing about > blog_title < Loved it!|
Nathalie Wdowiak says
Great info. Lucky me I ran across your website by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later!
salute to service packers says
Through employing a professional furniture agent, you conserve on your own stress as well as opportunity you would need to check your moving company. Besides this, you will definitely spare yourself expenses of repairs that may be spent if your furniture are ruined during taking apart, managing, and also putting together.
Link says
Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and superb design and style.|
Contact Us says
quite interesting article. however, in some cases it still needs improvement.
magazine says
Nice weblog here! Additionally your website lots up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your associate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol|
hauskauf in dresden says
You really should experience a tournament personally of the finest blogs on-line. I’m going to suggest this website!
https://iyjqbarjkiqq.com/ says
your writing really helped me I know what steps to take.
boyle packers says
Moving coming from one location to another is actually a significant work that involves a bunch of determination, stress, cash and very most essentially organizing. Starting from organizing your stuff to the packing of containers, the whole procedure can be daunting.
Hanford says
Asking questions are genuinely good thing if you are not understanding anything fully, but this paragraph offers pleasant understanding yet.|
jetanimes says
I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.|
prevent golfers elbow says
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!|
buy fake driving licence says
Hi colleagues, its wonderful post concerning educationand completely explained, keep it up all the time.|
Click More says
This can be an inspiration to many people. Very good job
hop over to this web-site says
hello!,I love your writing so so much! percentage we keep up a correspondence more approximately your article on AOL? I require a specialist in this space to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Looking forward to see you. |
mods says
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Appreciate it!|
streamonsport says
Incredible points. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the great effort.|
IG hack says
Hola! I’ve been reading your web site for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!|
watch says
When some one searches for his necessary thing, thus he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.|
ma abaya says
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Bless you!|