PRESS RELEASE-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST Ms FATUMA IBRAHIM

The National Gender and Equality Commission has noted the vicious knife attack on one Ms. Fatuma Ibrahim allegedly by her husband in Wajir County.

We take this opportunity to severely condemn this barbaric act in the strongest terms possible. The alleged actions not only amount to “domestic violence” as provided in the Protection Against Domestic Violence (PADV) Act, 2015 but also would constitute several offences under the law including “wounding” “causing grievous harm” or even “attempted murder” with a penalty of up to life imprisonment. We hereby urge the Director of Public Prosecutions to commence urgent investigations on the matter and prefer appropriate charges against the perpetrator for justice to prevail. Under the PADV Act, Fatuma Ibrahim requires protection from the husband as well as compensation.

We therefore advise her to seek protection orders as soon as she recuperates as well as consider filing a claim for compensation against the husband for the injuries sustained as a result of the attack.

Gender based Violence continues to have grave consequences, which are far reaching. As is evident in the case of Fatuma Ibrahim, GBV survivors are at high risk of severe and long-lasting health problems, which could be physical or psychological in nature.

Time has come when all duty bearers need to be proactive in preventing and responding to the vice through reliable public services and rights awareness. Society must also play its role by taking a firm stand against all forms of gender based violence and ensuring such cases are reported to the law enforcement agencies immediately they occur for appropriate action.

SIGNED WINFRED O. LICHUMA E.B.S

CHAIPERSON