Challenging Social Norms and Legal Responses to Rape and Sexual Violence: Insights from a Practice-Research Partnership in Kenya

Gender inequality and sexual violence (SV) are rampant in Kenya. However, survivors infrequently report sexual violence to the police, and among those who do, their cases are unlikely to be thoroughly investigated, correctly documented and successfully prosecuted. This chapter discusses factors that have limited our progress in understanding more about the prevalence and nature of sexual violence in Kenya. It outlines the historical context of SV against women in Kenya, as well as research on experiences of SV across the life course, medico-legal responses and new research directions for improving the efficacy of SV response, prevention and protection. This chapter will be of particular interest to health and social care professionals who are currently engaged in or are considering carrying out work in low-and middle-income countries-specifically Kenya and other East African countries-and professionals with an interest in carrying out applied research in this field.