Despite the growing awareness and advocacy against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), many survivors continue to suffer in silence. One woman’s five-year marriage has been marked by relentless abuse, leaving her and her children deeply scarred.

Her husband, instead of being her protector, has repeatedly subjected her to physical violence, leaving her with severe injuries, including hearing loss.

Usikimye, a nonprofit organization supporting survivors of trauma and SGBV in Nairobi, reports that she has been attacked multiple times. Despite his arrests, he has always returned home, resuming the cycle of abuse. She lives in constant fear, having endured repeated threats against her life.

The ongoing violence has taken a serious toll on her mental health. At times, the distress has left her feeling hopeless. Her children, too, have been deeply affected, showing signs of emotional and physical trauma.

A well-wisher who intervened noticed that they were not in good health and had been allegedly sodomized by their father, a testament to the dangerous environment they have been exposed to.

She has made several attempts to regain independence by starting small businesses, including offering laundry services and selling fresh produce. However, every time her husband finds her, he subjects her to public humiliation and violence, preventing her from moving forward.

Despite reporting her situation to the authorities, little has been done to ensure her safety. The social worker assigned to her case has provided minimal support, leaving her to navigate her trauma alone.

Usikimye is now calling for urgent assistance to ensure that she and her children receive medical care, legal protection, and mental health support.

Survivors of SGBV often bear lifelong emotional and psychological wounds. Their suffering is not just an individual battle but a societal crisis that demands immediate action.