Why

Reduce the impact of sexual and gender-based violence in Siaya County by providing a place for survivors to seek shelter and support.

What

Sexual and physical violence against women and children is a growing problem in Kenya. Most cases are committed by close relatives, which means survivors need a temporary safe space to stay. CMMB is working to reduce cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Siaya County by providing a place for survivors to seek shelter and support and an avenue for legal support. 

In 2023, CMMB opened a Child Protection Unit at the Yala Police Station in Siaya County. The building can provide temporary shelter to eight people at a time. For children and witnesses to child abuse, it is a safe place to stay as they get help and support. The shelter was built through CMMB’s Breaking the Silence project. In addition, CMMB has provided shelter to 144  children between August 2023 and January 2024. This initiative further catalyzed support from various government entities towards the expansion of the unit, reinforcing collective efforts to safeguard survivors and their witnesses.

We have empowered communities to spearhead local response activities, including case reporting, offering legal assistance, and safeguarding GBV survivors. We have trained six Violence Prevention Response Teams (VPRTs) to lead local response activities, resolving nearly 500 reported cases. CMMB Kenya has also formed GBV Technical Working Groups with partners from different sectors to better coordinate SGBV response activities under its HIV/AIDS work. This has improved services and support for those affected by GBV, especially women and girls.