Domestic violence refers to any physical, emotional or psychological harm directed to a person by one of the family members.
These abuses have adverse effects on the victims which include, physical harm, dropping out of school, early pregnancy, stress, suicides and deaths.
A lot of domestic violence go unreported in Kenya due to the context of its happening which is the family level making it difficult to detect.
Although women and children suffer the most, men also get abused at the same level and may get worse for fear of reporting due to shame.
The following are ways to help curb this vice which is common in homesteads;
Make penalties for domestic violence consistent and firm. Punishment for domestic violence needs to be reinforced to help deter the offender from re-victimising the victim. They will shy from the penalties associated with these abuses.
Fighting ignorance. Providing education at the local level and educating the young children the consequences of domestic violence will help curb the vice. When they grow up they will to be responsible parents.
Providing effective channels of reporting cases of domestic violence. This can be through programs such as women Barazas, NGOs that fight for the rights of children, creating accessible telephone lines that handle cases of domestic violence at all times and reducing the cost of reporting domestic abuse associated cases.
Educating on survival skills. This are effective communication, critical thinking and decision making. Most women and children are abused at family level and do not come forward to report. These skills will help them become more assertive and know how to deal with such incidences.
Eradicating poverty. A large number of domestic violence is caused as a result of poverty. Job opportunities should be created to ensure a healthy living of each citizen. This avoids strains which may lead to exploitation of the young children to try and fend for the family.
Help women to be economically independent. When both members of the family provide, this reduce on over-dependence on one person. This leads to balance of power leaving no room for exploitation by one person.