On International Day of Families, a powerful appeal urges family members to rally around GBV victims

The Africa Data Hub, in its ‘Silencing Women – Tracking and Humanising Femicide Cases in Kenya’ report, described 2024 as the worst year on record. The platform, in collaboration with data studio Odipo Dev and media outlet Africa Uncensored, also highlighted the lack of consolidated data needed to present a clear picture of the crisis. However, over the past two years, they carefully reviewed news reports and court records, compiling over 930 cases of female homicides between January 2016 and December 2024.

Among these cases, there has been a disturbing increase in murders committed by intimate partners. This situation demands a more coordinated response from policymakers, local leaders, and grassroots organisations. Change leaders working to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) are also stressing the importance of strong family ties, as families are often the first line of emotional support and security for individuals.

As the world marks the International Day of Families (May 15), Nguvu Change Leader Valerie Aura is intensifying her efforts against GBV and underlining the crucial role family support can play in helping survivors to feel less isolated, understood and accepted. But emotional support alone isn’t enough. According to Physicians for Human Rights, survivors also need access to quality mental health care - yet many health facilities either lack trained professionals or are simply out of reach for survivors due to cost, distance, or limited operating hours. It is therefore also important that this service gap is bridged at the community level.

“Strengthening family units leads to stronger communities. This is crucial to prevent GBV, which often takes place behind closed doors. In many communities, domestic violence is still seen as a private issue. Survivors are often silenced, either to protect family honour or out of fear. That mindset must shift. To break this cycle, families must not only speak up but also advocate for accessible services. They can be powerful allies in pushing local governments to deploy trained mental health professionals in underserved areas and ensure that services are survivor-centered and confidential," says Valerie.

She has launched an online campaign, ‘Provide Free Mental Health Support for GBV Survivors in Kisumu County,’ based on her own difficult experience of seeking therapy after leaving an abusive home. Her campaign also calls for the integration of mental health care into primary health facilities in Kisumu County, including regular hours, trained personnel, and safe, private spaces for survivors to seek help without fear of judgment or exposure.

According to her, for any country to progress, it must ensure survivors of GBV receive the mental health care they need as they work to rebuild their lives. Valerie also highlights the need for policy implementation: while Kenya has laws and policies guaranteeing mental health care for survivors, the reality on the ground is a far cry from what’s promised. “What’s needed now is not just political will, but measurable action; budgets, staffing, and monitoring. We are losing too many GBV survivors to suicide, and that should concern us all. Families can play a seminal role in helping them recover,” she concludes.