Your rights as a survivor of sexual violence
Sexual Offences Act, 2006; Victim Protection Act, 2014 · sources read 2 Oct 2026
If you survived a sexual offence, the court must order your treatment if you ask, and the State pays. In court you can be declared a vulnerable witness, so you testify with protection and your identity cannot be published.
- Where
- Any court handling the case; GBV helpline 1195; public hospitals for treatment
Steps
- Call the free GBV helpline 1195, open 24 hours, for counselling and referral to medical care, shelter and legal aid.
- Ask the court, yourself or through an intermediary, for a treatment order. Treatment is at a public hospital or approved institution.
- Ask to testify as a vulnerable witness: from a protection box, through an intermediary or in a closed court.
Watch out
- Anyone, including media, who reveals a protected witness's identity commits an offence.
- Keep your medical records: they can be used as evidence in court.
- An accused without a lawyer cannot question you directly. Questions go through the court.
Who this covers
- Victims of sexual offences, children and persons with mental disabilities who give evidence.
Official sources (3)
- Sexual Offences Act (No. 3 of 2006) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Victim Protection Act (No. 17 of 2014) new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- GBV Prevention and Response migecah.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026