Nexus Between Indigenous Cultures and Sexual Violence Reporting in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examines the nexus between indigenous cultures and sexual violence reporting in Trans Nzoia County. The study analysed how indigenous cultural beliefs and traditional practices contribute to the commission of sexual violence and how the same hinders victims from reporting to police for appropriate measures. The general objective of the study was to examining the nexus between culture and sexual violence against women and girls, and how it affects the efforts of the police in in arresting and prosecuting culprits. The study is also informed by specific objectives which are: to establish the cultural beliefs that motivates offenders to indulge in sexual violence against women and girls in Trans Nzoia County, to establish how indigenous cultures obstruct the arrest of offenders in sexual violence against women and girls in Trans Nzoia County, to assess whether indigenous cultures could prevent women and girls from reporting sexual violence against them in Trans Nzoia County, to examine how indigenous cultures hinder police investigations on sexual violence against women and girls in Trans Nzoia County, and lastly to identify strategies that could be employed to mitigate sexual violence under-reporting by women and girls in Trans Nzoia County. This study is beneficial to the government, law enforcement, the community, and partner agencies who seek to make structural and institutional decisions based on the complexity of sexual violence and its effects on the society. The study used socio-cognitive theory and socio-cultural theories as analytical tools as they were appropriate in analyzing the problem under study. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach in design. The nature of the study called for both qualitative and quantitative data analysis approach. Primary and secondary data was collected and analysed. In-depth interviews were used to collect data from specific respondents and focus group discussions. The SPSS was used for data analysis to establish a statistical inference for the coded data that was also edited for completeness and accuracy. The study established that the problem of sexual violence against women and girls in Trans Nzoia County is reinforced by indigenous cultural practices. The study found out that some of the cultural practices predominantly in the region include female genital mutilation and eloping of girls for marriage.