Patterns of Violence Against Adults and Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kenya

Abstract

We compare patterns of sexual violence against adults (n = 317) and children (n = 224) in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to inform sexual violence prevention and protection efforts. The data we analyse were coded from interviews conducted by human rights defenders who were assisting survivors in obtaining vital services. We found that children were more likely than adults to be attacked during the daytime, by a single perpetrator rather than multiple perpetrators, and in a private as opposed to a public location. Children were violated most often by neighbors and family members, whereas adults were equally likely to be attacked by strangers and persons known to them. On average, the children in the sample were four years younger compared to the average age reported in national samples pre-pandemic (age 12 versus 16). Survivors were more likely to be female than male. Policy recommendations are offered based on our findings.

Prolonged school closure during the pandemic time in successive waves of COVID-19- vulnerability of children to sexual abuses – A case study in Tamil Nadu, India

“…Further, in terms of age, the victims were younger by four years compared to pre-pandemic figures. Most of these instances were amongst families with “low affluence and prior history of abuse” [ 11 ]. In a study of the Florida foster care system, researchers observed that contrary to earlier research findings of decreased reports of child maltreatment during the pandemic, there was a substantial increase in child maltreatment among white youths in foster care.…”

Children's Vulnerability to Sexual Violence During COVID-19 in Kenya: Recommendations for the Future

“…Ongoing evidence collection by the Survivors of Sexual Violence in Kenya Network suggests that COVID-19 has changed patterns of sexual violence against children ( 7 , 15 ). First, child sexual violence victims are now age 12 on average ( 7 ), compared to 16 previously ( 13 ).…”

“…Offenses are more often being perpetrated by neighbors during the pandemic compared to before (42 vs. 16%) ( 7 , 13 ). There are reported cases wherein neighbors have gained access to children through the ruse of providing educational resources, such as laptops and internet access, during school closures ( 7 , 15 ). Worryingly, it is increasingly being recommended that neighbors should be utilized during COVID-19 to help identify and protect victims, and to aid in reporting incidences [e.g., ( 1 , 17 )].…”