Some victims of Gender Based Violence drop the cases due to the slow process in prosecution of the perpetrators.
Another challenge is interference by community and culture, and lack of safe houses for survivors.
This was revealed during the second anniversary of the International Association of Women Judges- Kenya Chapter (IAWJ).
The event held at the Makadara law courts was led by President Lady Justice Agnes Murgor and the judge of appeal.
The function was also used as a sensitization forum for SGBV in honor of the United Nations International Day of Women Judges.
Justice Murgor stated that the sensitization forum was to enhance coordination among justice servers and a platform for SGBV survivors.
Murgor pointed out that fellow members of the association held a sensitization forum in various stations countrywide in a bid to create awareness of the impacts and the role in which the courts system takes in ensuring justice is served.
“SGBV cases should be concluded within three months. This is because there has been a steady increase in both the private and public sectors. We launched an SGBV Court in Shanzu. An out-of-court settlement is illegal and should not be allowed,” Murgor stated.
Her sentiments were echoed by Defence Kale of Shauri Moyo police station who said police should not allow survivors to go back to the society or house where they got subjected to violence to avoid re-occurrence of the same.
Another factor that was said to be slowing the process to find justice for Gender Based Violence was adjournment and frequent transfer of Judges.
It was noted that SGBV victims need to understand the procedures for securing justice including reporting the case, going for medical, filling P3 forms sooner and having documents ready during proceedings.
Further in her speech, Justice Murgor enlightened that there was a need to train prosecutors and victims on how to handle trauma and sensitize the latter on evidence preservation as well as give data on the location of safe houses.
SGBV leads to physical, mental and emotional and so proper counseling needs to be done.
A witness protection Agency representative noted that witnesses should be protected if the accused person is a person of interest, a family member, or a violent person.
Among other justice actors who graced the event were; the Chief Magistrate and head of station Makadara law courts Hon. Francis Kyambia, PC Defence Kale.
Others were senior principal prosecution counsel MS. Jackline Omol, Mr, Martin Githu from the Witness Protection Agency, Wendy Akoth the operations officer at WanguKanja Foundation and Dr. Fara from Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.