The Implications of Sexual Abuse for the Health of Women in Kisumu District, Kenya

Abstract

Sexual abuse of women is a pervasive and emerging health, human rights, and development issue that transcends the boundaries of race, color or religion. There are significant consequences of sexual abuse, with the survivors often facing acute and chronic physical and mental health problems. In Kenya, despite campaigns by the government and Non-Governmental Organizations to address the issue, current interventions do not address specific health needs of the sexually abused women. This study sought to find out the implications of sexual abuse for the health of women in Kisumu District, Kenya. The focus of the study was to identify the causes and establish the consequences of sexual abuse on the health of women. It explores the post- sexual abuse care services av~iiable and identifies gaps in the legal and policy contexts that could contribute to the continued prevalence of sexual abuse.