Kenya: Manifestation of Domestic Violence in the Central Highlands

Domestic violence is a pervasive social issue worldwide and a human rights concern, af fecting both men and women globally. In Kenya, for instance, approximately 4 women and 1 man per 1,000 people experience intimate partner violence yearly, with intimate partner homicides af fecting 1,181 women and 329 men. Despite significant efforts to combat domestic violence, cases have been increasing, taking different forms such as emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. The study was conducted in Nyeri County, one of the counties in the central highlands of Kenya. Cases of domestic violence have been rising each year in Nyeri County, Kenya. This study sought to investigate how cases of domestic violence manifest in Nyeri County. Respondents included household heads, assistant chiefs, police, religious leaders, NGOs, village elders, and sub-county ad ministrators. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The study found that domestic violence manifests through verbal insults, physical injuries, finan cial deprivation, sexual violence, and female genital mutilation, with divorce and separation often resulting from these abuses. The study concludes that both men and women in the county have suffered due to domestic violence in their families. The study recommends empowering both men and women in Nyeri County through education, awareness programs, and legal support to counter domestic violence. Keywords: Domestic violence, pain, suffering, gender-based violence.