Can a victim of domestic violence get compensation?
Protection Against Domestic Violence Act · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Yes. If domestic violence caused you injury, property damage or money loss, the court can order the abuser to pay compensation it finds just and reasonable, looking at things like medical costs, lost earnings, damaged property and the cost of moving out to a safe place.
- Where
- Resident Magistrate's court; any police station to report.
Steps
- Take your claim to the Resident Magistrate's court, which hears cases under the domestic violence law.
- You can also apply for a protection order against the abuser at the same court.
- In a protection order, the court can direct the abuser to pay expenses or emergency money for your needs and those of any child or dependant.
- If you report to the police, the officer must tell you about your right to apply for relief under the Act and how to make a criminal complaint.
Watch out
- The court decides the amount. It also weighs both sides' finances and your relationship, so there is no fixed figure.
- The court may decide your money claim fits better under the laws on support for spouses, former spouses and dependants.
- A criminal case against the abuser does not stop you from also seeking redress under this Act.
Who this covers
- A victim of domestic violence who suffered personal injury, damage to property or financial loss because of it.
Official sources (1)
- Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, No. 2 of 2015 (Cap. 151) new.kenyalaw.org · read 3 Oct 2026