KONDELE, Kisumu –A nonprofit organisation has partnered with the national police service in the Nyanza region to provide the required logistics for victims of gender based violence and child abuse.
For a start Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) donated assorted items for use in safe houses. The same were given out at the Kondele police station in Kisumu.
Case Manager at SHOFCO, Silas Omollo said they have opted to support the unit since they are always the first stop for victims of GBV and related issues.
Omollo said during a function, which was graced by Nyanza Regional Police Commander Evelyn Gisiri, that they are also committed to child protection against all forms of abuse.
Nyanza Regional Police Commander Evelyne Gisiri (in blue regalia) and other attendees during the distribution of. SHOFCO’s Omollo (right) explained that many survivors of GBV and child abuse lack the required facilities at police stations once they are rescued from their aggressors. Photo Credit: Fredrick Odiero
During the function, the organisation presented bedding and office stationery to several police stations.
Omollo said they will continue working in partnership with various stakeholders to fight GBV.
He called for capacity building among police officers since they deal directly with victims of GBV and abused minors.
‘‘Our Gender and Inclusion program can achieve significant impact, confronting deep-rooted societal norms and structural inequalities through its networks” Omollo said.
The impact Omollo noted, is reinforced by strong partnerships with national and county governments and health authorities.
In 2023, Omollo said, SHOFCO played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s five-year National Strategic Plan to end gender-based violence (GBV).
Collaborating with local law enforcement, he said they supported over 10,200 sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, securing 50 legal convictions.
Safe Houses
Mr Omollo said that their Safe Houses are nationally recognised models of survivor support, providing critical shelter, psychosocial counselling, and access to legal and health services.
Omollo said women and girls in informal settlements face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and femicide due to harmful gender norms, such as female genital mutilation and early marriages.
He said they have been providing temporary shelters for such victims.
On her part, Gisiri praised SHOFCO for the gesture and urged victims of GBV to come out and report such cases.
“GBV-related information should be given in strict confidence while the dignity of the victims is also upheld,” she said urging the organisation to extend the gesture across the region.
