Emerging data and reports from those on the frontline have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, have intensified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most of the literature in Kenya on COVID-19 and Gender-Based Violence has been anecdotal from commentaries, organizational reports, and news sources. Additionally, the reports have mainly focused on the number of intimate partner violence (IPV) cases with limited
information to help understand the risk factors of violence and the support available for the survivors.
The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) conducted this qualitative study between June 2021 to July 2021 in Nairobi, Isiolo, Narok, Mombasa, and Kilifi counties in Kenya. The objective of this study was to understand women’s experiences of IPV during the ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic with a view of identifying common drivers and risk factors and interventions that worked well in preventing and responding to IPV. Data were collected through key informant interviews
with 28 service providers, including government officials, Non-governmental Organizations staff and lawyers working on GBV, police officers, health providers, community and social workers and In-depth interviews with 26 women who have experienced IPV during the pandemic.
