Violence against women and girls/children (VAWG/C) is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights and an impediment to sustainable development. Globally, WHO estimates that about one in three (35%) women of reproductive age have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Violence against children, is equally widespread globally with half of children age two and 17 years – equivalent of one billion children– experiencing emotional, physical or sexual violence. Causes of violence are multiple and intricate with risk factors at individual to societal level, including gender inequality. All these forms of violence cause devastating short and long-term physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health to the survivors. They also lead to high economic and social costs in their management, impacting the communities and society too.

Anne Ngunjiri, Lilian Otiso, Anthony Mwaniki, Carol Omondi, Jane Thiomi (2020). Violence against women and girls amidst COVID 19 pandemic– LVCT health experience. LVCT Health