PSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF CHILD DEFILEMENT: A CASE OF KILIFI

TOWNSHIP, IN KILIFI COUNTY, KENYA

BY
KEZZIAH WAMBUI NJAGI
AB18/PU/41850/21

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND

SOCIAL SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE CONFERMENT OF THE
DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHILD CARE AND PROTECTION OF
PWANI UNIVERSITY.

PWANI UNIVERSITY

MARCH, 2023
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DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

DECLARATION
This Research is my original work and has not been presented for a degree or any other award in
any other University.
Signature: …………………………. Date:……………………………
KEZZIAH WAMBUI NJAGI
AB18/PU/41850/21

RECOMMENDATIONS BY SUPERVISORS
This research report has been submitted for examination with our approval as the University
supervisors.

Signature: ………………………………. Date:

…………………………………………….
DR. NICHOLAS AJWANG
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
PWANI UNIVERSITY
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to all survivors of rape who are struggling to restore their self-pride and
my family for their endless support and encouragement as I pursued this course.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I herein acknowledge and thank the Almighty God for his Mercy, protection, wisdom and power
that has enabled me to successfully come this far and achieve the ultimate goal of finishing this
study. I wish to express my gratitude to the Pwani University for giving me the opportunity to
undertake this course. To my supervisors, Dr. Nicholas Ajwang, thank you for your support and
professional guidance and advice.
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ABSTRACT
Child defilement is a pervasive social problem globally and also one of the most traumatic
experiences, causing numerous long-term outcomes on the psychological and social realms of
survivors. Kilifi North Sub County has been categorized among the most risky areas for children.
Survivors are exposed to long-term negative outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder,
depression, sexual victimization and suicidality. The purpose of the study was to establish the
psychosocial effects of child defilement, the study was guided by three objectives; to identify the
prevalent types of defilement in Kilifi North Sub County; to establish the psychosocial effects of
defilement and; to establish the interventions that may be taken to reduce defilement cases and
the subsequent effects in Kilifi North Sub County. The study adopted a descriptive survey
research design. The target population comprised of 30 in which a sample of 15 survivors of
defilement and 5 respondents from the health officers, 5 trauma counselors working in gender
based violence unit, 3 respondent from Children’s office and 2 respondent from Probation office.
Primary data was gathered using face to face interviews in form of interview guide and focused
group discussion. Data collected, was analysed using descriptive statistics. The data was
analysed through the use of statistical package for social science (SPSS) to generate quantitative
reports through tabulation, percentages, and measure of central tendency. While qualitative data
was grouped according to thematic groupings. The findings revealed a prevalence of (53%)
children rape and women rape (32%).The psychosocial effects of rape were; trauma (50%),
humiliation (20%), and depression (15%). Based on the results the study recommended the
intervention responses for rape as; training personnel working in gender based violence units in
hospitals and police stations on trauma counselling; survivors of rape need to attend counselling
session for prevention of psychosocial effects and Kilifi County to support the awareness
campaigns against defilement in Kilifi County and its environs. The study also recommended
further study should also be undertaken on the perpetrators in order to determine what led to their
behaviour in order to address the root cause of such behaviours.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................i
DEDICATION…………………………………………………………………….……………..ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………………...iii
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES......................................................................................................................vii
LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATION……………………………………………..ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………1
1.1 Background of the study..........................................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem.........................................................................................................2
1.3 Purpose of the study ................................................................................................................2
1.4 Objectives of the study ............................................................................................................2
1.5 Research questions ..................................................................................................................2
1.6 Justification of the study...........................................................................................................2
1.7 Limitations of the study............................................................................................................3
1.8 Delimitation of the study .........................................................................................................3
1.9 Significance of the study .........................................................................................................3
1.10 Assumptions of the study.......................................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………...4
2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................4
2.2 Child Rape...............................................................................................................................4
2.3 Psychosocial effects of rape.....................................................................................................5
2.4 Intervention responses for rape................................................................................................7
2.6 Summary of the literature review ............................................................................................8
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY……………………………………...9
3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................9
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3.2 Locale of the study ................................................................................................................9

3.3 Research design ....................................................................................................................9
3.4 Target population ..................................................................................................................9
3.5 Sampling procedure.............................................................................................................10
3.6 Pre-testing of research instruments......................................................................................10
3.7 Data collection procedure.....................................................................................................10
3.8 Method of data collection ....................................................................................................10
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS……………………………………...12
4.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................12
4.2 Response rate........................................................................................................................12
4.3 Demographic characteristics of the respondents...................................................................13
4.4 Prevalence Factors of Rape from the Interview Response…………………..……………..14
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS……...15
5.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................................15
5.2 Summary of the findings .......................................................................................................15
5.3 Conclusions ..........................................................................................................................16
5.4 Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………16
5.5 Recommendation for further research ...................................................................................16
REFERENCE................................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX A: Letter of permission for data collection ..............................................................18
APPENDIX B: Consent form.......................................................................................................19
APPENDIX C: Interview guide ...................................................................................................20
APPENDIX D: Kilifi North Sub – County map, Kilifi County, Kenya .......................................21
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Target population………………………………………………………………10
Table 4.2 Return rates…………………………………………………………………….12
Table 4.3 Ages of the respondents………………………..................................................12
Table 4.5 Gender of the respondents……………………………………...........................13
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.2 Sources of income parents/guardians………………………………………….13
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AIDS-Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
CLAN-Children legal action network
COVAW-K-Coalition on violence against women Kenya
DHYLs-Discount health years of life to rape
HIV-Human immune virus
FIDA-Federation of women lawyers
NGOs-Non-governmental organizations
SPSS-Statistical package for social sciences
STDs-Sexually transmitted diseases
WHO-World health organization
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Rape is a sexual assault and criminal offense that is often happening all over the world through
forcing a person into a sexual relation against a person’s will or consent (UN report on women,
2012). Rape can take many definitions from physical, psychological, sociological and even from
legal aspects of different countries (Lawrence & Van Rensburg 2016). Rape is a human rights
issue; social and public health all over the world (WHO, 2014). Rape is, a very severe crime, as
it involves an embarrassing, humiliating and cruel attack of the solitude, self-respect, and person
of the survivor. According to (Ross & Katz 2013) Rape is known as an unpredicted and
interfering destruction, which on previously impacts on all scope of the survivor’s continuation,
and eventually disrupts to some level one's behavior of being in the earth. The abortions,
unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases are the consequences of rape. The rape
survivors may experience psychological and social problems (Buddie & Miller, 2011). The
survivor is left with what appears to be a continuous fight to adjust back into society again. The
privileges to the self-respect, confidentiality, and honesty of every person are fundamental to the
culture of the formation and to any justifiable progress (Lawrence & Van Rensburg, 2016).
There appear to be differences between rape victims and society’s interpretation of the
definitions of rape. Many debates concerning those who have been assaulted or raped to be
referred as “victims” or as “survivors” have been discussed around the world. The study will
refer to individuals who have been raped as survivors.
In Kenya, as reported in a survey done by the African Network for the prevention and protection
against child abuse (October 2014) over the past several years the sexual assault, harassment,
violence, and rape has raised. Kenyans have witnessed an enormous increase in rape cases
involving men and women of all ages. It reveals that in Kenya, one in three girls and one in five
boys experience at least a case of violent sexual abuse before they reach age 18 (WHO, 2014).
According to the report by the United Nations, 32 percent of Kenyan girls younger than 18 have
experienced some form of sexual violence or harassment. That number may even be higher due
to a large number of unreported rapes to police because they are ashamed or not expecting fair
judgment, fear being blamed and for fear of stigma (WHO, 2014).
In Kilifi County rape is a serious problem. In recent past, Kilifi North Sub County has witnessed
various rape cases; men of all ages between 35 to 60 years defile even children of 3 years as
there are misconceptions among people with HIV that they will be cured once they sleep with
girls who are virgins. These men end up silently raping young girls and infecting them with HIV
and this abuse might continue for long before they are realized and reported to the police. This is
happening so often that people getting used to of this culture of rape. Cases of rape are not
usually reported for fear of family isolated by others especially if it is a close relative or
neighbour. The survivors of rape are left with psychosocial effects such as low self-esteem,
insomnia, panic attack and post-traumatic stress disorders. The survivors of rape may suffer
isolation, be disowned by friends and family. In Kenya, research was done on remedy against the
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barbarity of rape in Kitale (Murrey, 2009) found out many of the survivors had long depression
and considered suicide, as they could not bear what they were going through. The lack of the
paucity of data describing the causes and extent of the psychosocial effects of rape in Kilifi
County had contributed to its lack of interventions measure by the policy makers and
stakeholders. There is a need for this study on the psychosocial effects of defilement.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
A rape experience constitutes a serious infringement on a person’s self. Research consistently
showing strong associations between rape and poor mental health, among them; anxiety,
depression, helplessness, and at times posttraumatic stress disorder alongside myriad physical
health problems. For children, sexual molestation has far reaching effects on a child’s attachment
and bonding, emotional regulation, and brain development among other conditions.
The prevalence of rape among residents of Kilifi Township though well acknowledged has not
been given priority in terms of addressing the problem in terms of psychosocial support for
survivors of rape. Meagre resources have been channelled in that area despite the serious long-
term effects of rape on this population. There is also paucity of literature on the subject focusing
on Kilifi Township despite its prevalence it is against this background that the study was
conducted.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychosocial effects of defilement in Kilifi North
Sub County.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
This study was guided by the following objectives:
i. To identify the prevalent types of rape that occurs within Kilifi North Sub County.
ii. To determine the psychosocial effects of rape on survivors in Kilifi North Sub
County.
iii. To identify intervention responses of reducing effects of defilement in Kilifi North
Sub County.
1.5 Research Questions
The study sought to answer the following research questions:
i. What are the types of defilement that are most prevalent in Kilifi North Sub County?
ii. What are the psychosocial effects of rape to survivors in Kilifi North Sub County?
iii. What are the intervention responses for reducing the effect of defilement?
1.6 Justification of the Study
Defilement is a psychological and a social problems around the world as it affect any person
irrespective of gender. It was important to carry out this study as it helped the medical personnel
after knowing the psychosocial effects of defilement, the survivors goes through to be able
manage the effects of rape through intervention responses obtained from this study.
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1.7 Limitations of the Study

The research was limited by lack of proper number of survivors of defilement from the hospital
personnel and police officers working in gender based violence unit in Kilifi General Hospital.
However, this was partially overcome by reviewing the secondary data existing in hospital
records and Children office records. It was a limitation to get all the survivors of defilement
respondent for focus group discussion as some were not ready to be seen and share their story. It
was overcome by use of interview questionnaires individually to collect the information from the
survivor respondents.
1.8 Delimitation of the Study
The study was successful because it collected information from the following sources; The Data
with the cases of defilement within the Kilifi Township, the survivors of defilement, personnel
working with defilement survivors and workers from the Probation Office within the Kilifi
Township.
1.9 Significance of the Study
The findings of this study may be used particularly by the gender based violence unit in the
department of health, Kenya police service at the national and community leaders in obtaining
feedback on the prevalent of rape cases in Kilifi Township, the psychosocial effects of rape and
intervention responses. The findings of this study, apart from adding to the world of knowledge
in the psychosocial effects on rape and intervention responses in Kenya could provide data for
future studies on the effectiveness of counselling for survivors.
1.10 Assumptions of the Study
The study was carried out under the following assumptions:
i. All gender based violence unit in Kilifi Township have personnel with counselling
training. This assumption held at the end of the study.
ii. Respondents provided honest responses to the questions asked; an assumption that
held
iii. Survivors were aware of the psychosocial effects of defilement. This assumption held
at the end of the study.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This section summarizes the literature that is already in existence regarding defilement,
psychosocial effects in Kenya and across the globe. The literature has been outlined in
subheadings that have focused prevalence types of rape, and psychosocial effects. Also it
contains the conceptual framework that is the summary of the whole literature. For empirical
review, the study focused on the literature in relation to prevalent type of rape and psychosocial
effects.
2.2 Child Rape
Rape is often an act of punishment, used to demonstrate power over girl children and
manufacture control. Rape is also used as an instrument by which the rapist communicates his
masculinity and powerfulness. That is, through rape men are able to reaffirm their manhood,
sense of control and power over women and children (Jewkes 2012).
To law enforcement agencies and the public, sexual assaults, and especially the assaults of young
children, are a major concern (WHO, 2014). The assault or rape of children in Sexual offence
Act of 2016 is defined as statutory rape; that is, the rape of a minor or child who cannot legally
give consent. According to the Children’s Act, no. 8 of 2001, a child means any human being
under the age of eighteen years (Children’s Act, 2001). Recently child rape has become a major
concern and there is growing support for the theory that infant rape is related to a myth that
intercourse with very young virgin will enable the perpetrator to rid himself of HIV/AIDS or
other sexually transmitted infections (WHO, 2008).The surge in the rape of children and babies
is shocking and cases such as these commonly receive attention in the media in Kenya.
Child rape cases are often perpetrated by a relative; this has implications for the reporting of the
case to the police. Given the poverty stricken circumstances that children live in, it is common
for mothers to remain quiet as their children are abused by the breadwinner of the household.
Also, many child rape cases are not reported due to stigma, fear of retaliation and anticipation of
difficult experiences with the police, courts and health services (WHO, 2014).
The World Report on Violence and Health identifies child rape as an important public health
problem, as it is associated with increased risk of sexual and reproductive health problems,
mental health problems increased health risk behaviours as well as behavioural problems
(Jewkes et al., 2015).
This type of abuse requires extensive interventions as child rape has been found to be a more
intrusive form of abuse in children’s lives compared to other forms of abuse. This type of abuse
affects children’s emotional, psychological as well as sexual development (Bagley & King,
2010).
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2.3 Psychosocial Effects of Rape

Some survivors were faced with serious mental disorders such as shock, depression, denial, fear,
anxiety, irritability and blue mood herald the notorious symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
(PMS), guilt, mistrust, alienation, and confusion immediately after being raped (Deming &
Eppy, 2011). They complex psychological tribulation, such as personality disorder,
hallucination, emotional burnout and intellectual deterioration due to the loss of freedom of
choice, will power, self-control in a specific area of human activity and refusal to accept the
conclusion of any piece in reasoning such situation often lead to helplessness and psychological
trauma (Jewkes 2012). Survivors of rape manifest long term symptoms of fatigue, sleep
disturbances, recurrent nausea.
The frequency of unreported rapes pointed to a culture of secrecy and silence around rape: rape
and defilement were associated with negative and stigmatized attributes such as promiscuity,
unfaithfulness, and personal weakness (WHO, 2008). Cohen and Roth (2012) reported that rape
victims were generally acutely distressed during the first few months. The psychological
disorders are experienced, nightmares, fear, shame, low self-esteem and depression (Campbell,
Dworkin and Cabral, 2010). The survivors react differently to rape, all these depending on their
personality, support received from family members, hospital personnel and police officers and
past experiences (UNFPA, 2012).
Kilpatrick (2004) reported that survivors could have different immediate reactions after rape:
some exhibited shock and distress through words and tears, while others had more internalized
suffering. One immediately reaction was to blame themselves for occurring of rape. They find
themselves helplessness, distressed emotionally and cognitive and depressed. Some had no
appetite, self-blame for not fighting the perpetrator, guilty about the experience, fearful thoughts,
restlessness, depression and thoughts of committing suicide (Pauwels, 2002).
2.3.1: Emotional Depression
A study conducted by Okunwu (2017) on the effects of rape to victims’ found that emotional
depression was prevalent among survivors of rape cases. In the study conducted in Kano a
village that had been captured by Boko Haram fighters during their uprising found that survivors
still had emotional depression due to the ordeal they went through. In another study carried out
in a larger geographical area that had been captured by Boko Haram it was found that victims of
rape had never overcome the burden of emotional depression despite attending counselling
sessions and being reintegrated in the community. (Adiu, 2018). The emotional depression
occasioned from rape incidences was found to linger for years and in some cases it was never
resolved as victims were not adequately counselled and monitored in order to help them cope
with the trauma. (Kimberly, 2018). In some cases the emotional depression led to suicide of the
victims. (Austin, 2017).
2.3.2: Feelings of Fear
Akinwu (2017) in his study noted that even after years had passed after incidence of rape the
victims always had hallucinations and had fear always watching over their backs and afraid of
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being alone or with members of the opposite gender. This lingers for years and in most cases it
was a subconscious reaction that the victims could not immediately detect. The feeling of fear
was more prevalent among victims who were abused at a young age since it changed their
perception of the opposite gender and their socialisation (Kimberly, 2018). Victims who are
abused at a young age (below 17 years) it was found out that most of those victims never had
proper relations with the opposite gender and in most cases never entered into marriage. Akinwu
(2018) in his study on the victims of rape in the Boko Haram controlled region found out that in
a majority of the cases the victims opted not to speak out about their ordeal to the public for fear
of stigmatization and in extreme cases ended up committing suicide in order to escape the
humiliation and constant fear from the perpetrators and the society.
2.3.3: Humiliation
Kimberly (2017) in her study on rape victims in war torn countries carried out between 2013 and
2016 found that humiliation of the victims drove many people to silence. Many victims of rape
incidences never reported their ordeal to the authorities because they feared the information
getting out and them becoming victims a second time this time through the judgmental eyes of
the society. Kimberly in her study noted that most societies were still patriarchal and that in
cases where the victims were women it was viewed by the larger society that they were complicit
in the incidences. She noted that the judicial system right from reporting the cases to the police
stations was heavily skewed against the victims of rape with no way to protect the identity of
such victims. Aukot (2015) in his study of legal challenges in solving cases of sexual violence
noted that the fear of humiliation prevented many victims of rape cases from reporting their
abuse to the authorities. In the study he noted that majority of cases of rape went unreported
because the victims didn’t want to live with the constant questions and under the judgmental
eyes of the society they lived in.
2.3.4: Stigmatization
Aukot (2015) argued the stigmatization accompanying the victims of rape made many of them
shun reporting it the relevant authorities. The long odorous process that cases took in the courts
of law only served to deter victims from reporting, He argued that the 21 judicial process
involved many players and it was bound to expose the victims to strangers raising the fear of
ridicule and stigmatization. Kimberly (2017) in her study averred that victims of rape were never
reintegrated into the community after the ordeal thus leading to their stigmatization. She averred
that the society is yet to be properly informed on the effects of side lining victims of rape and
sexual abuse and this proved to be a big hindrance to the reintegration process. Austin (2018)
argued that in the absence of stigmatization from the community rape victims had better chances
of readjusting to the society. He argued that victims of rape were well positioned to adjust to the
society if individuals were less judgmental and accommodating to them. He argued successful
intervention programs had to include reintegration to the society through educating members of
the society on the importance of extending help to victims through the reintegration process.
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2.3.5: Trauma
Psychological trauma for victims was found to be one of the leading effects of sexual abuse
(Atiku, 2018). He argued that victims of sexual abuse never successfully recovered from their
ordeal due to the psychological trauma they went through. Atiku averred that rape incidences are
not a one off event since their effects will reverberate through the lifetime of the individual.
Atiku averred that successful intervention program will have to involve counselling and social
therapy in order to reduce the level of trauma among the victims of rape and sexual violence.
Counselling he argued should be routine and carried over the lifetime of the individual since
there is no cutline on when full recovery takes place especially in form of psychological trauma.
Akembo (2015) in his study of incidences of rape in Naivasha Sub County found that if
successful counselling is not done psychological trauma will affect the victim for 22 years and
for intervention to be successful counsellors have to look at the psychological trauma as being a
key component of the healing process.
2.4 Intervention Responses for Rape
2.4.1 Medical Approach
The process to observe survivor of rape by trained physicians. Survivors, all share the traumas in
particular, such as, fear, pain, punishment, and loss of control, and often in similar psychological
sequel (WHO, 2008). Because of many reasons, experts recommend medical approaches for
complete treatment and recovery of psychological problems but this is not sufficient. It is
important, however, to remember that in acute setting of recent assaults, a balance must be
immediately reached between access to 24 emergency medical treatment, and the need for
privacy, emotional-supportive atmosphere and adequate time.
2.4.2 Counselling and Psychological Services
Counselling and psychological services need to be provided directly and indirectly with special
focus on the emotional and spiritual components. Counselling in rape help the survivor to listen
more carefully to herself/himself, explore, clarify and discover alternative ways of coping with
problems. Follow up during the immediate period following the trauma is effective in helping
victims to avoid the deployment of complex, prolonged syndrome (Matsakis, 2003).
2.4.3 Law and Institutions
There have been many decisions made by the Kenya government and other institutions charged
with carrying out the policies and laws that are wished for to protect children from harm. The
amendment act no. 5 of sexual offences (Act 2006) penal code chapter 63, laws of Kenya and the
signing and implementing of Hon. Ndungu Sex 23 Bill in sexual offences Act (2006) and that
after broadened the range of sexual offences to include various types of sexual abuse. Weak or
absence of social sanctions and services such as: the absence of law procedures for mandatory
reporting. Heavy reliance also by prosecution on medical examinations, reporting within a
stipulated post-incidence time limit, and late recognition and reporting of the crime contribute to
sexual abuse particularly in the rural area (Khan, 1999)
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2.4.4 Law Enforcement

Preventive steps are taken to ensure rights of the survivor and the society are protected.
Survivors describing their perpetrators conduct and medical staffs are highly distressing and
disproportionally focused on the requirement of investigations and the collections of forensic
specimens, rather than survivors. Some unethical principles are observed; those assigned the task
of enforcing or expressing the norms of the dominant society such as the police requesting
bribes, unfortunately at the cost of law, health personnel responding to disclosure of specimen’s
examinations of rape often delivered inappropriate responses to it and results.
Police stand at the principal of entry for survivors who seek criminal justice responses. They are
to enforce the law by investigating the case, and prosecuting the culprit in the court of law,
without being punitive to the offender and survivor too.
2.5 Summary of the Literature Review
The literature review study showed that the sexual assault and rape affected the mind, body, and
spirit. This is the short and long-term effects, as many survivors experienced one or more of
these effects and they were not commonly limited.
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CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
In relation to the topic of study that was, the psychosocial effects of rape in Kilifi Township in
Kilifi County, this chapter highlights the procedures that were used to conduct the study, obtain
data and test the research questions. It discusses the research design, the target population,
sample size and sampling techniques, research instruments used, validity of instrument and
reliability of instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis procedures and ethical
considerations.
3.2 Locale of the study
This study was carried out in Kilifi County. It borders Kwale County to the South West, Taita
Taveta County to the West, Tana River County to the North, Mombasa County to the South and
the Indian Ocean to the East. The County has seven Sub Counties/Constituencies namely, Kilifi
North, Kilifi South, Ganze, Malindi, Magarini, Rabai and Kaloleni and 35 County Ward. The
county hosts small scale farming especially in the inland areas. A mixture of fruits, vegetables
and coconuts trees are grown. Fisheries also play a major role in the economic arena of the
county accounting for more than half of the income of households along the coastline of the
county Kilifi County, Strategic Plan (2016-2019).
3.3 Research Design
This study adopted a descriptive survey design. Orodho (2003) describes research design as the
scheme, outline, or plan that is used to generate answers to research a problem. Orodho (2003)
maintains descriptive survey design entails an in depth 28 empirical collection of facts and data
about a certain phenomenon. It also describes actions as they are or as they happen rather than
manipulation of variables and collects data from a wide/diverse category of respondents.
Descriptive survey design was used by the researcher to explore the opinion of the health
workers, community at large, personnel working in gender based violence unit in hospitals and
probation office and the survivors of defilement on the prevalence type of rape, psychosocial
effects and the intervention measure on rape. Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) contend that the
purpose of a descriptive research is to describe behaviours and characteristics.
3.4 Target Population
Target population refers to the larger population to which the researchers ultimately would like
to generalize the results of the study (Orodho, 2003). It is the entire group of individuals, events
or objects having a common observable characteristic. The psychosocial effects information was
collected from the survivors of rape through face to face interviews. The information on
intervention was collected from personnel working in gender based violence units in hospitals
and probation office through interview guide since they were perceived to be more
knowledgeable on the issues of guidance and counselling. Therefore, the target population
comprised of 30 in which a sample of 15 survivors of defilement and 5 respondents from the
 10

health officers, 5 trauma counselors working in gender based violence unit, 3 respondent from
Children’s office and 2 respondent from Probation offices.
3.5 Sampling Procedure
According to Orodho (2003), the sample size had a far reaching implication on this study.
Participants to the study included key informants whom the researcher believed could provide
the needed data. The sample consisted of 30 respondents selected. The sample was collected
from various respondents using questionnaires and interview schedule guide as indicated in the
Table 1 below.
Table 3.1 Target Population
Respondents Size Percentage
Survivors 15 50
Health workers 6 20
Probation officers 2 7
Trauma counsellor in GBV 4 13
unit
Child Officer 3 10
Total 30 100

3.6 Pre-Testing of Research Instruments

The researcher in order to ensure validity and reliability of the researcher instruments, he
exposed the research questionnaire and interview guide to a pilot test. The report from interview
guide was then subjected in the SPSS to check for the reliability of the research questions.
3.7 Data Collection Procedure.
An interview guide and a focused group discussions were used to collect data at first from the
respondents. The researcher defended the proposal at the university level and was cleared to
obtain a letter from the graduate school allowing him to continue with data collection. The
respondents were requested to participate in the research willingly and clarifications were made
during the discussion period. Immediate feedback was obtained and the promised the
respondents that the information was to be used for academic purpose only.
3.8 Method of Data Collection
Interviews and focused group discussions were the main instruments of data collection that were
used. The questionnaire was organized into two parts where the first part contained basic
background information rated in nominal scale while the second section contained the structured
questions in relation to the objectives. The questions were rated on a likert scale of a magnitude
measure of 1 to 5. The questionnaire helped the researcher to collect data on knowledge,
opinions of respondents towards the psychosocial effects of rape and intervention strategies.
Both open ended and closed ended questions were used. Open ended questions enabled
respondents to provide sufficient details while close ended questions enabled the researcher to
 11

easily quantify results by the use of SPSS. On the other hand, a focused group discussion was
used to seek deeper information from the local community purposively selected for the study.
This contained semi structured questions that had both closed and open ended questions; rated on
both nominal and ordinal scale. The discussion was carried out by the researcher and two other
trained research assistants. The researcher moderated the respondents by allowing them take
informed turns in answering questions and clarification done where necessary.
 12

CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction
This chapter presents the findings of the study on psychosocial effect of defilement in Kilifi
Township, in Kilifi County, Kenya. This study was guided by the following objectives: To
identify the prevalent types of defilement that occurs within Kilifi Township, to determine the
psychosocial effects of defilement to survivors in Kilifi Township and to identify intervention
responses of reducing effects of defilement.
4.2 Response Rate
The number of questionnaires that were properly filled and returned was as shown in the Table
4.2.
Table 4.2 Response rates
Respondents Distributed Returned Return rate (%)
response
Survivors 15 12 80
Trauma counsellor 5 5 100
Health worker 6 5 95
Probation officer 2 2 100
Child Officer 3 3 100
Total 30 27 95
4.3 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
In researcher sought to examine the bio data of the respondents in the field. The demographic
variables that were included in the study were age, gender, education level and source of income
of the survivor parent or guardian.
4.3.1: Ages of the Respondent
Table 4.3 Ages of the respondents
Respondents Distribution age Frequency Percentage
categories
Survivors Bellow 10 years 2 13
(10-15) years 3 20
Above 15 years 10 67
Trauma counsellor Above 30 years 4 100
Health worker 18-25 years 2 33
Above 25 years 4 67
Probation officer Above 30 years 2 100
Child Officer Above 30 years 3 100
Total 30 100
 13

4.3.2 Gender of the Respondents

Table 4.4 Gender Respondent
Respondents Gender of the Frequencies Percentage (%)
respondents
Survivors Male 3 20
Female 12 80
Other Respondents Male 6 40
Female 9 60
Total 30 100

The presentation shows that the study gathered its information more of it on the female gender as
compared to their male counterparts with a percentage of 80% and 20% for male survivors and
60% and 40% of other respondents. This is a clear indication that in Kilifi Township. The female
gender is dominantly affected by defilement and psychosocial issues. It confirms that indeed the
female gender or sex is still vulnerable to defilement.
4.3.3 Source of income of the Parent of the Survivor.

Graph

Self employed

None

Employed

Casual Work

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Casual Work Employed None Self employed
Graph 4 2 1 8

The bar chart above show the occupation as it was distributed across the parents or guardians of
the survivors of rape within the local of Study. It is clear that most of the survivor’s slightly
below average 8 were self-employed in various sectors of the local economy. It there can be
deduced that most of those who fall victims are pupils’ girls who are being taken care of by self-
employed guardians and parents who are relying self-employment which is a known sector that
one requires that most of the time to maximize on the income and hence rendering the survivors
vulnerable to the perpetrators.
 14

4.4 Prevalence Factors of Rape from the Interview Responses

High Poverty Rates-One of the prevalence of rape identified by participants was the prevalence
of high poverty rates among the community.
Unemployment- Unemployment in Kilifi County is extremely high which may leave many men
very frustrated and feeling helpless. Unemployment is a significant problem most people,
therefore, are living in poverty. Unemployment for the youth in Kilifi County, led them used
substance abuse and alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Consumption- Most of the participants perceived alcohol intake on the part of the
victims played a major role in rape cases, although the alcohol intake of perpetrators was not
mentioned. Although alcohol intake in any location leaves children vulnerable to rape, the
participants in this research perceived nightclubs and funeral discos at night school girls’ chances
of being raped.
The Role of Dress Code- An additional factor that was perceived by one of the participants to
render women vulnerable to rape included dress codes. Dress codes reflect a personal preference
or choice. However, for this participant, the dress code was associated with greater vulnerability
to being raped.
Lack of Care for Children- Many children are left in the care of significant family members
whilst their parents work. This has been found to be dangerous, as most children are raped in
their homes by people known to them.
 15

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
The study was carried out with the aim of examining the psychosocial effects of rape in Kilifi
Township. The locale of the study was in Kilifi County. The research was carried out in Kilifi
North Sub County due to high reported rape cases in police and hospitals compare to other sub
counties in Kilifi County. This study was guided by the following objectives: To identify the
prevalent types of rape that occurs within the area; to determine the psychosocial effects of rape
to survivors and to identify intervention responses of psychosocial effects of rape in Kilifi.
The study based its arguments from the literature reviews. This study adopted a descriptive
survey design. This chapter covers a summary of the findings of results and conclusions drawn
from the study as well as recommendations based on the study findings and suggestion for
further studies.
5.2 Summary of the Findings
The findings indicated that majority 67.9% (19) of the survivors were Children. 90% of the
respondents of community members were of the age above 30 years. This shows that the
research gathered most information from elderly purposive respondents who were aware of the
psychosocial effects of defilement. Education levels of the respondents indicated that, majority
of the survivors are primary school pupils with a prevalence rate of 71.4% (20). This is a clear
indication that most of those who fall victims of rape are the girls in primary school.
As per the first objectives, 53% (10) of the respondents mentioned children rape as the type of
rape that was prevalent in Kilifi. 32% (6) of the respondents also mentioned female rape that was
rate slightly below average. The type of rape; gang rape and male rape were not prevalent or
occurring in Kilifi North Sub County, as the respondents did not mentioned at all. In relation to
the second objectives findings indicated that trauma with 50% (14) was dominantly that was
closely followed by humiliation that was rate slightly below average 20% (6). The other form of
effects that were found to be affecting survivors was emotional that was at 15% (4), followed by
stigmatization were at 10% (3), and feelings of fear 5 % (1).The study found out the
psychosocial effects of rape was ranging from trauma, humiliation, emotional depression,
stigmatization and feelings of fear. Finally, as per the third objective, the study found that
counselling and psychological services was healing the psychosocial effects to the survivors
especially from emotional depression and trauma. 89% (24) of the survivor’s respondents they
did not have psychosocial effects after attending counselling sessions which was contributed by
attending hospital after rape and taken for counselling sessions.50% (7)respondents from the
community members proposed rehabilitation centres to the children survivors as a means of help
in management of post trauma experience, while 20% (3) said providing counselling services to
the survivors and guardians will help in combating psychosocial effects as the guardian are also
affected by the rape.
 16

5.3 Conclusions
The study can conclude that there is prevalence of rape in Kilifi Township, Kilifi County, Kenya
in recent past. The study found that the prevalent type of rape was identified as: children rape,
women rape, intimate partner rape and elderly rape. Its prevalent factors of rape include: high
poverty rates, unemployment, job seekers, alcohol consumption, influence of substance use, the
role of dress code, African culture, influence of HIV and AIDS myths, and lack of care for
children and situational challenges.
The study can conclude that the psychosocial of effects of rape is very serious as first thought,
the survivor’s experiences pain and discomfort all over body. Serious physical and complicated
injuries occurs, from manhandle during rape event the tear of vaginal and rectal tear can
occurred. The trauma is the most psychological effects of rape, humiliation, emotional
depression, stigmatization and feelings of fear. Therefore rape effect to the survivors includes;
harm to their physical, psychological, emotional and sociological problem. The researcher also
concludes that interventions responses are very important in helping the survivors recover from
the psychosocial effects of rape. The study found that counselling and psychological services
was healing the psychosocial effects, especially from emotional depression and trauma.
Emergency responses to facilitate medical examination for anything potentially harmful and the
need for privacy such as; psychological supportive treatment, that tests for STDs, HIV infection
and pregnancy are the major issues that require emergency cooperation as intervention. Finally,
the researcher concludes that there is need to train personnel working in gender based violence
units on counselling or updated them through seminars, and workshops, to be trained how to
handle the survivors of rape, and efficient remedies.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings from the field and other scholarly works, the researcher recommends that:
The personnel working in gender based units in hospitals and police stations should be trained by
the County and Government on trauma counselling and how to handle the survivors of rape
when they sought assistance or coming for treatment. The survivors need to attend counselling
session to deal with psychosocial effects of rape and other related issue associated with rape. The
County Government of Kilifi need to construct and open emergency responses units in hospitals
that will be able to examine the survivors of rape for anything harmful and when need for
privacy, There should be intensive awareness campaigns against rape in Kilifi County and its
environs by the County Government of Kilifi supported by the Government and stakeholders.
5.5 Recommendation for Further Research
From the recent study, it is evident that there is a research gap in the study of rape and other
related issue associated with rape. It is recommended to do research on the perpetrators cases at
the Kilifi County courts and determine out if the survivors of rape were able to get justice at the
end of these rape cases. The study to be done to the rapists convicted in Kilifi County prisons to
determine the specific behaviours that led to the offenses of rape. It is also recommended for the
research to be done for the personnel working in gender based violence units in Kilifi County.
 17

REFERENCE
Anderson, C. L. (2012). Males as sexual assault victims: Multiple levels of trauma.
Homosexuality & Psychotherapy, 7 (2/3), 145-163. Retrieved from
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Adiu, L. (2018). On rape: A crime against humanity. Journal of Social Philosophy, 28(1), 101–
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Akembo, M. (2015). Preventing sexual violence: A rights-based approach. The Lancet,
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Bagley, C., & King, K. (1990). Child sexual abuse the search for healing. London: Routledge.
Burgess, A.W. & Prentky, R. A. (2000). Sexual abuse of nursing home residents. Journal of
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Government of Kenya, (2006). Sexual offenses Act. Nairobi: Government Printer. Retrieved
from [Link]
Lawrence, B., & van Rensburg, J. (2016). Forms of sexual abuse and the practical implications
of applying South African law to sexual offence cases. In G.M. Spies (Ed.), Sexual abuse
dynamics, assessments and healing (pp. 15-24). Pretoria: Van Schaik. Retrieved from
[Link]/bitstream/handle/10539/7188/June%20resubmittion%20 [Link]
World Health Organization (2014). World report on violence and health. Retrieved from
[Link]
Wood, K. (2015). Contextualising group rape in post-apartheid South Africa. Culture, Health &
Sexuality, 7, 303-317. Retrieved from [Link]/resources/academic-articles/rape/wood-
[Link]/
 18

APPENDIX A: Letter of permission for data collection

Dear respondent, my name is Kezziah Wambui Njagi, a Bachelor student in Child care and
Protection Pwani University, Kilifi campus, doing a research. My area of focus is on rape as a
social issue; by “investigating the causes and psychosocial effects of rape in Kilifi Township
“This research study is aimed at exploring understandings of rape and ways of addressing this
problem in Kilifi County and to add to the body of knowledge in this area.
I would like to invite you to participate in this study. Participation in this research will entail
being interviewed by me, at a time and place that is convenient for you. You will be asked to
some demographic information, which is to help the researcher obtain a context to base the
analysis of the material. However, you will not be able to be identified from this information.
The interview will last approximately thirty minutes. The study has no individual benefits, but
you participation will contribute to the larger body of knowledge on the causes and psychosocial
effects of rape with regard to understanding and preventing rape.
The information provided will be treated in confidence purely for research and not divulged
whatsoever to another party without consent of the respondent.
Kind regards,

Kezziah Wambui Njagi

Researcher.
 19

APPENDIX B: CONSENT FORM

I…...............................................consent to being interviewed by Kezziah Wambui Njagi for his
study on the psychosocial effects of defilement in Kilifi Township.
I understand that:
 Participation in this interview is voluntary.
 That I may refuse to answer any questions I would prefer not to.
 I may withdraw from the study at any time.
 In case of tape recording, no information that may identify me will be included in the
research report, and my responses will remain confidential.
 The study may make use of direct quotes from the interview.
 All tape recordings will be destroyed after the study is complete.

Signed:…………………….........................
Date:.............................................................
 20

APPENDIX C: Interview Guide

PROBATION OFFICERS AND TRAUMA COUNSELLORS
1. What kinds of rape are prevalent reported or handling in your department?
2. What are the psychosocial effects of rape that you can observe when attending the survivors?
3. What do you perceive as effective interventions for addressing psychosocial effects of rape in
Kilifi Township?
 21

APPENDIX D: Kilifi North Sub – County map, Kilifi County, Kenya