How GVRC Revolutionizes GBV Recovery in Kenya: Prevention, Advocacy & Survivor-Led Care

Introduction

Since its inception in March 2001, the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) has been a source of hope for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya. With a vision of a "Society free from Gender-Based Violence," GVRC has offered free, comprehensive medical and psychosocial care, played a key role in the formulation of national GBV policy, scaled up prevention efforts to 27 counties, and responded rapidly to emergencies—cementing its status as a regional Centre of Excellence.

1. A Legacy of Healing: Medical & Psychosocial Support

Annually, GVRC offers life-changing medical and psychosocial care to approximately 3,600 survivors. More than 58,000 survivors have benefited from these comprehensive services since its establishment.

A few of the offered services include:

Medical Care: Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), emergency contraceptives, specialized care for conditions like fistula and incontinence, Hepatitis B vaccinations, and laboratory tests.

Psychological & Social Support: One-on-one counseling, group counseling through support groups such as Fadhili (adult survivors of sexual violence), Dove (survivors of domestic violence), and children's groups for survivors under the age of 18. Shelter, social assessment, legal referrals, and expert testimony in court complement holistic recovery.

Emergency response has been the core of GVRC's mandate. The Centre intervened in national crises such as the 2007–08 Post-Election Violence, 2011 Mount Elgon conflict, 2012 Tana Delta clashes, and the 2013 Westgate Mall attack, preserving critical evidence to facilitate justice.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic (2020), GVRC supported 4,067 survivors, the highest number in a year, by enabling access through toll-free lines, rescue operations, and mental health interventions.

2. Prevention Through Awareness & Behavior Change

GVRC believes in stopping GBV before it happens. Their primary prevention includes:

Behavior Change Communication (BCC): Community "barazas," school outreach, public forums, and tailored educational materials for specific audiences.

County Reach: With a presence in 27 of Kenya's 47 counties, GVRC mobilizes teachers, PTAs, health workers, police officers, FBOs, and local administration to disseminate positive norms and GBV prevention mechanisms.

Stakeholder training is a signature: GVRC has strengthened GBV response across sectors—private and public healthcare, policing, judiciary, and communities—serving as a trusted partner for capacity development.

3. Informing Systemic Change: Advocacy & Legislation

GVRC's evidence-based advocacy has informed some of the key legislative milestones, including:

• The Sexual Offences Act (2006)
• The Protection Against Domestic Violence (PADV) Act (2015)
• Revision and gazettement of the Post-Rape Care (PRC) form, strengthening case documentation and legal outcomes.

Furthermore, GVRC incorporated a 45-hour GBV management module into the Bachelor of Nursing program, adopted in 14 universities, shaping future healthcare practice.

GVRC continues to be at the forefront on GBV policy fora—co-chairing the National Gender Sector Working Group, co-convening the Africa UNiTE–Kenya Chapter, and engaging in multi-sectoral technical working groups.

4. Engaging Men & Communities: Campaigns for Change

GVRC has mobilized communities and opinion leaders through campaigns like:

• The 1 Million Fathers Movement (launched July 2012), calling upon men to openly denounce GBV and shift cultural norms.
• The 72‑Hour Campaign, urging survivors to report for medical attention within 72 hours of GBV.
• The #1000Steps4Baringo ultramarathon (2019) lasted 20 days across Baringo County, 1,000 km with sensitization stops—culminating in the launch of a GBV Recovery Centre at Eldama Ravine Sub‑County Hospital.

These activities combined sports, local influencers, and community events to raise awareness and funds for GBV services.

5. Emergency Response & Resilience

As part of the national emergency response framework, GVRC collaborates with organizations like the National Gender & Equality Commission and the GBV Prevention Network. The Centre has a history of mobilizing in crisis—responding to Post-Election Violence, Mount Elgon conflict, Tana Delta, and drought emergencies, and serving thousands with medical, psychological, and capacity-strengthening interventions.

6. Internships & Volunteer Opportunities

GVRC offers internship and voluntarism programs on a quarterly basis—in January, April, July, and October—for students and recent graduates in the fields of Psychology, Social Work, Gender Studies, Project Management, and related disciplines.

Interns are given practical experience in:

• Emergency and response programs
• Primary prevention initiatives
• Advocacy and resource mobilization

Candidates should submit their CV and cover letter to [gvrc@nwch.co.ke](mailto:gvrc@nwch.co.ke) during intake periods.

7. Legacy, Growth & Center of Excellence

From a modest start in March 2001, GVRC has expanded to become a celebrated Centre of Excellence, delivering free essential services and informing national policy.

Its advocacy for GBV Recovery Centres in public hospitals—where it is represented in Kisii, Makueni, Nyeri, Homa Bay, Eldama Ravine, and others—testifies to its strategic influence.

In 2016, GVRC marked its 15th anniversary, reflecting on assisting more than 32,000 survivors, staffing growth, and the launch of the NWH College to address healthcare workforce shortages.

8. Understanding the Context: GBV in Kenya

As GVRC strives to eliminate GBV, national statistics report changes:

 

• Physical violence against women dropped from 20% in 2014 to 16% in 2022, and for men from 12% to 10%.
• Violence correlates with age and marital status—42% of women aged 45–49 years report violence since age 15, compared to 20% of those aged 15–19; married women report more (41%) than unmarried (20%).
• Perpetrators are often intimate partners: for women—current (54%) and former (34%); for men—teachers (28%), current (20%) and former (19%) partners.
• Prevalence of FGM fell from 38% in 1998 to 15% in 2022. Types of cutting altered, with less flesh removal and some rise in stitching.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for GVRC's holistic interventions.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) is a pioneer in GBV recovery, prevention, and advocacy in Kenya. Through integrated survivor care, community mobilization, policy influence, and capacity building, GVRC has changed thousands of lives and continues to resiliently bounce back during crises.

How you can assist:

Survivors who need assistance: Call GVRC's toll-free number 0800 720 565 / 116.

Potential interns: Email your CV and cover letter to [gvrc@nwch.co.ke](mailto:gvrc@nwch.co.ke) within intake quarters.

Partners and supporters: Get involved in campaigns like the 1 Million Fathers Movement, 72‑Hour Campaign, or mobilize mobile awareness through initiatives like #1000Steps4Baringo.

"Discover how GVRC Kenya offers free GBV recovery services, prevention interventions in 27 counties, mobilizes policy reform, and offers meaningful internships."