This project will equip parents and caregivers in Kenya with the skills to identify, prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. In a society where conversations on sexuality are taboo, this project will help parents teach their children about body autonomy, good versus bad touch, and how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. With 16% girls and 6% boys being sexually abused before the age of 18 in Kenya, this project will help keep the next generation safe.

Challenge

According to a 2019 study done by CDC, Together for Girls, and UNICEF, 1 in 2 young adults in Kenya experience sexual violence as a child, and only 12.5% of girls, and 3% of boys report the abuse in Kenya. From the study, many children do not tell anyone about the abuse because they do not understand what abuse is, they do not have the language to describe the abuse, and most do not report because of the fear of being shamed and disbelieved by their parents, caregivers, and elders.

Long-Term Impact

The project will facilitate training workshops for 1,000 parents/caregivers on sexual abuse awareness, prevention, and response. The workshops will help parents educate their children on body autonomy, safe touch, and how to recognize and report sexual abuse, ultimately keeping the next generation safe.

References

1. http://www.freelyinhope.org

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