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Concept Note
Title:
Determinants and Patterns of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence among Adolescent Girls and
Young Women in Kisumu County: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Experiences and
its Implications for Counseling
1. Background and Rationale
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is a major human rights violation and a public
health concern that disproportionately affects adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). In
Kenya, Kisumu County has witnessed high cases of SGBV, compounded by poverty, gender
inequalities, cultural norms, and weak reporting systems.
Urban and rural settings present different realities. Urban areas have greater service availability,
yet challenges such as anonymity, economic exploitation, and overcrowding increase
vulnerability. Rural areas, on the other hand, are influenced by cultural silence, stigma, and
inadequate access to health and counseling services. These contextual differences influence how
survivors experience, report, and cope with SGBV.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for designing context-sensitive prevention and support
systems. Counseling, in particular, plays a central role in helping survivors heal and rebuild
resilience. However, counseling services are often generalized, overlooking the distinct
psychosocial needs of survivors in different settings. This study will therefore generate evidence
to guide more targeted counseling interventions.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) represents a prevalent human rights violation and a
public health issue with a specific impact on AGYW. High prevalence of SGBV has been noted
in Kisumu County, Kenya, fueled by poverty, gender disparities, cultural beliefs, and low
reporting rates.
Hailing from the city or the country makes a big difference. It is also noted that despite greater
service availability in urban areas, challenges such as anonymity, abuse of migratory young
women and over-crowding do make them more vulnerable. Rural parts of the country,
meanwhile, are plagued by cultural silence, stigma, and limited access to health care and
counseling. These differences in context can shape the survival experiences, reports and coping
with SGBV experiences.
Understanding these patterns is important in designing context appropriate prevention and
support systems. Counseling, especially, is an important part of the trauma that allows survivors
to heal and foster resilience. 12, 13 Although the importance of psychosocial support has been
recognized in humanitarian contexts, counseling assistance is typically provided in a general,
non-context-specific manner, ignoring the specific psychosocial needs of survivors in particular
settings. 30This study will thus provide evidence to inform the development of more focused
counseling interventions.
Janepher Musuya REG: PCM/KSM/037/22 GLUK
2025
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2. Research Problem
Despite increasing concern, SGBV remains a threat to the well-being, education, and future of
AGYW in Kisumu County. Current interventions tend to be generalized and disregard different
realities of urban versus rural survivors, consequently leading to maladaptive counseling and
ineffective support mechanisms. There is an imperative to identify context-specific determinants
and patterns of SGBV and to explore how counseling services may be modified to suit survivors.
3. Objectives
General Objective:
To investigate the determinants and patterns of SGBV among adolescent girls and young women
in Kisumu County, comparing urban and rural contexts, and examining implications for
counseling.
Specific Objectives:
1. To identify the socio-demographic and economic determinants of SGBV among AGYW
in urban and rural Kisumu County.
2. To analyze the cultural, societal, and environmental factors influencing SGBV in both
settings.
3. To compare patterns of occurrence, reporting, and help-seeking behaviors between urban
and rural survivors.
4. To explore the counseling needs and psychosocial implications of SGBV among AGYW
in Kisumu County.
5. To recommend context-sensitive counseling and support interventions for survivors of
SGBV.
4. Research Questions
1. What are the key determinants of SGBV among AGYW in urban and rural Kisumu
County?
2. How do cultural and societal norms influence the occurrence and reporting of SGBV in
these settings?
3. What are the similarities and differences in SGBV patterns between urban and rural
contexts?
4. What are the counseling and psychosocial needs of survivors, and how are these currently
being addressed?
5. How can counseling interventions be strengthened to better respond to SGBV survivors
in urban and rural Kisumu County?
Janepher Musuya REG: PCM/KSM/037/22 GLUK
2025
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5. Conceptual Framework
DETERMINANTS
(Socio-demographic, Economic, Cultural, Environmental)
PATTERNS OF SGBV
(Occurrence, Forms, Frequency, Reporting, Help-seeking)
PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS
(Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Stigma, Isolation)
COUNSELING NEEDS
(Trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, Safe spaces, Context-sensitive counseling
approaches)
IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERVENTIONS
(Policy reforms, Survivor-centered programs, strengthened counseling capacity in urban and
rural contexts)
This framework illustrates how determinants influence SGBV patterns, which in turn lead to
psychosocial impacts. These impacts shape the counseling needs of survivors, guiding tailored
interventions.
6. Significance of the Study
The study aims to contribute to academic knowledge by providing an SGBV comparative view
in urban and rural areas. Practically, the findings will help policymakers, NGOs, and CBOs in
designing programs geared toward prevention and interventions. The study will also address the
role of counseling in recovery, building resilience, and reintegration of survivors. Ultimately, it
will empower adolescent girls and young women through better access to survivor-centered care
and justice.
Janepher Musuya REG: PCM/KSM/037/22 GLUK
2025
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7. Methodology
Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study using mixed methods.
Study Population: Adolescent girls and young women (15–24 years) in urban and rural
Kisumu County.
Sampling: Stratified random sampling for AGYW respondents, and purposive sampling
for key informants (counselors, health workers, community leaders).
Data Collection tools: Structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group
discussions.
Data Analysis: Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics;
qualitative data thematically analyzed.
8. Expected Outcomes
Identification of determinants and context-specific drivers of SGBV.
Comparative insights into SGBV patterns in urban and rural Kisumu.
Documentation of counseling needs and gaps in existing services.
Evidence-based recommendations for context-sensitive counseling interventions.
9. Implications for Counseling
The study will provide insights into how counseling interventions can be tailored to urban and
rural survivors of SGBV. It will highlight the importance of trauma-informed care, culturally
sensitive approaches, and community-based counseling strategies. The findings will also support
training and capacity-building for counselors to enhance responsiveness and effectiveness.
Janepher Musuya REG: PCM/KSM/037/22 GLUK
2025