GBV Victim in Vihiga Speaks Out, Others Suffer in Silence

Sexual Gender-Based Violence has been a persistent issue in Vihiga County, particularly affecting women who find themselves in helpless situations. Lydia Ayoma, a resident from North East Bunyore, has silently suffered under constant violence from her husband. She narrated her experience of enduring violence and living with her husband despite being visually impaired due to an attack by her husband in 2009.

Ayoma's ordeal began when her husband attacked her with a metal rod, causing her to lose her sight. She was taken to Emuhaya hospital and later referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she was declared permanently blind. Ayoma stated that she had never reported the incident to the police due to fear of being asked for a bribe. Instead, she had reported the matter to the village elder, who frequently asked for bribes in order to offer assistance.

Ayoma's situation has left her emotionally drained and economically dependent, making it difficult for her to leave the abusive environment or sustain herself and her children. She revealed that she does not belong to any support group or organization that could assist her and has come to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities offices to get registration as a Person Living with Disability. Ayoma expressed her desire to get support for her children to get educated, as they would help her in the future.

The County Director of Disability, Ruth Oyier, stated that her office is following up on Lydia's case and exploring ways to offer her sustainable support. Oyier said the office can appeal for funds from the Headquarters to assist Lydia in setting up a small business, aiming to sustain her daily life without depending on her husband. She encouraged Lydia to record a statement from the police to show she is being abused and get help and justice from the perpetrator.

Oyier noted that rescue centers play a major role in providing therapy sessions for mental and emotional support and recovery but may not be a long-term solution for Lydia's situation. Instead, Oyier insisted that Lydia can only be empowered economically as a form of security to get back to her feet, support herself and her children, and become self-reliant. A team of counselors can be sent to Lydia's place to guide and counsel her and her husband.

The Director condemned such acts of violence and advised everyone going through SGBV to open up for help and report to the nearest police station. Many cases go unreported because survivors fear victimization or lack information on where to seek help. Oyier urged the community, chiefs, religious leaders, and families to support survivors instead of blaming them.

Lydia's story mirrors that of many other survivors in the county who suffer in silence for fear of stigma, lack of support, or economic dependence on their perpetrators. Her experience highlights the need for support systems and economic empowerment for survivors of SGBV. The community must work together to create a safe and supportive environment for survivors to come forward and seek help.

Key points

• Lydia Ayoma's case highlights the need for economic empowerment and support systems for survivors of Sexual Gender-Based Violence.
• The community must work together to create a safe and supportive environment for survivors to come forward and seek help.
• Many cases of SGBV go unreported due to fear of victimization or lack of information on where to seek help.