Gender Disparities in Accessing Psychosocial Support Services among Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Kenya

Psychosocial support services are integral in supporting survivors of violence to cope with the emotional and psychological trauma from their experiences with gender-based violence (GBV). The study sought to determine the gender gaps in accessing mental health services for GBV survivors in Kenya. The study assessed the gender gaps in accessing mental health services among GBV survivors in urban informal settlements, mapped the challenges GBV survivors encounter when seeking mental health services and established the extent to which mental health services are affordable for survivors of violence in Kenya. The study found that GBV is prevalent in urban informal settlements as women have a higher rate of experiencing physical violence at 39% compared to men who have a prevalence rate of 33%. Only 33% of GBV survivors seek any form of psychosocial support of which 12% are male. The study established social and structural barriers in GBV response interventions that affect survivor access to psychosocial support services to help them cope with the effects of violence. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the status of GBV in Kenya and the measures that can be implemented to provide survivors (regardless of their sex) with equitable opportunities to access the relevant psychosocial support services to support their wellbeing.