Healing The Future: Tackling GBV to Raise a Generation Of Peacemakers

Every child deserves to grow up free from fear...

Gender-based violence (GBV) is more than an individual tragedy; it is a widespread human rights violation that cuts across cultures and generations. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, as well as threats, coercion, and denial of freedom. While women and girls are disproportionately affected, men, boys, and children also suffer directly or indirectly when exposed to violence.

In Kenya, GBV often occurs in homes, workplaces, and even places of worship, which should offer safety. Children are especially vulnerable, carrying visible and invisible scars that undermine their development and capacity to thrive. Addressing GBV is therefore not only about justice for survivors but also about building peaceful families and resilient communities.

GBV in Context

  • 34% of women aged 15–49 in Kenya have experienced physical violence, and 13% have faced sexual violence (KDHS 2022).
  • Nearly 1 in 2 girls and more than 1 in 2 boys have experienced some form of violence in childhood (Violence Against Children Survey, 2019).

Children who witness violence at home live with fear and trauma. They are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and aggression — and to normalize or replicate violence later in life. This cycle of harm undermines the foundations of peace and reconciliation in society.

Exposure to violence leaves lasting scars on children’s hearts and minds

When children are repeatedly exposed to GBV, their ability to trust, empathize, and resolve conflict is compromised. Trauma distorts how they perceive and respond to conflict, often reinforcing violence rather than dialogue. Without intervention, these cycles of harm pass from one generation to the next, weakening our collective capacity to build peaceful communities.

St. Martin CSA empowers families through dialogue and shared learning

St. Martin CSA empowers families through dialogue and shared learning

Through the Community Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, we use a holistic approach to break these cycles:

  • Parental Dialogues – Platforms where parents openly discuss GBV, its hidden toll on children, and learn skills for nurturing peaceful homes.
  • Psychosocial Support for Children – Counseling and trauma-healing sessions that help children process experiences, rebuild trust, and learn nonviolent conflict resolution.
  • Community Engagement – Partnerships with families, schools, leaders, and institutions to foster safe, supportive environments for children.

These interventions are designed not just to stop violence, but to raise a generation of peacemakers.

A staff raising awareness about GBV in the community

Together, we can raise a generation of peacemakers.

Report cases of GBV when you see them. Create safe spaces in your home, workplace, and community. Support children with compassion, not silence. Together, let’s raise a generation that chooses dialogue over violence Every child deserves to grow up free from fear, in an environment where respect and compassion are the norm. Together, by shielding children from harm, helping them heal, and modeling peaceful coexistence, we can dismantle the roots of violence and cultivate a Kenya where reconciliation is not the exception but the way of life

6 Comments

  1. Such activities are very helpful in educating our comunities on the does and don’ts and telling them the harmful impact of GBV ..

  2. Wow, this is so informative, well written and also inspiring. I have never really sat to think of the actual numbers of people affected ND now that I know, I am so happy that an initiative to foster peace exists. Thank you for this. Let’s spread the peace.

    1. It’s a hard to swallow pill having to digest the reality of the figures and statistics. I appreciate the author for clearly articulating every form of GBV. Social injustices demand the attention of all well meaning individuals. The efforts of key players such as Saint Martin offer hope for a safe and peaceful society in the near future. BRAVO.

  3. It is in fact true that most times we do not consider the effect domestic violence has on children who witness it.

  4. Our children have a right to grow in a safe environment.

  5. This is educative and a good move for the community at large to get awareness on matters GBV. It’s true that the scars that GBV leaves in children never heals. Thank you St. Martins for the efforts you are making towards ensuring we raise a generation that is free from fear and that of peace makers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *