Nala Feminist Collective together with the Judiciary of Kenya has committed to securing dignified and trauma-responsive justice for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence(SGBV).
Through a press release on Saturday, the Judiciary plans to establish specialized SGBV Courts across the country.
They said the courts are an important innovation that ensures survivors receive trauma-informed justice fairly and with accountability.
''We aim to support the development of an SGBV Survivor Access to Justice to inform ways in which survivors can access legal information and other elements essential to making access to justice and prevention, a reality,” Nalafem Founder and President Aya Chebbi said.
Chief Justice of Kenya Martha Koome on the other hand said SGBV crimes have devastating impacts on survivors leading to trauma.
She, therefore, said the step was because SGBV is a violation of human rights and causes trauma to the victims.
“We are taking this step due to our appreciation of the reality that SGBV is a violation of human rights. These crimes have a devastating impact on survivors leading to lifetime trauma as well as physical, psychological and emotional harm,'' she said.
She added that the crimes also undermine social cohesion, economic development and peace in our communities.
They noted that the Judiciary has established the courts in Nairobi, Mombasa, Siaya and Kisumu and designated special SGBV registries in Meru, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisii, Kitale and Machakos.
