National Guidelines on Management of Sexual Violence in Kenya

Psycho-Social Support
1. Introduction
Survivors of sexual violence react differently to the ordeal. Some survivors experience
immediate psychological distress, others short-term and/or long-term psychological
problems. The amount and length of social support and/or psychological counseling
required by survivors of sexual violence varies enormously, depending on the degree of
psychological trauma suffered and the survivor’s individual coping skills and abilities.
This chapter highlights the procedures of psycho-social care for survivors of sexual
violence including ethical consideration. Efforts are made to address the distinct
psycho-social needs of adult male and females and children- boys and girls, persons
with disabilities and perpetrators of sexual violence.
• It is recommended that all counselors providing trauma counseling to survivors of
sexual violence must be trauma counselors and should also have basic professional
training (e.g. nurses, psychological counselors, social workers, psychiatrists).
• They should be members of an accredited counseling association e.g. Kenya
Counseling Association (KCA), Kenya Psychologists Association (KPA) or be
recognized by Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation or Ministry of Medical
Services as rape trauma counselors.
2. Survivor-Centred Approach to Counseling
The counselor should apply the principles of doing “good” and not “doing harm” in
counseling a survivor.
When providing services to survivor of sexual violence, counselors should adhere to
the following fundamental principles of counseling:
• Autonomy: The right of patients to make decisions on their own behalf (or in the
case of patients under 18 years of age, individuals acting for the child, i.e. parents
or guardians). All steps taken in providing services are based on the informed
consent of the survivor.
• Beneficence: The duty or obligation to act in the best interests of the survivor.
• Non-maleficience: The duty or obligation to avoid harm to the survivor.
• Justice or fairness: Doing and giving what is rightfully due to the survivor.
These principles have practical implications on the manner in which services are
provided, namely:
• Awareness of the needs and wishes of the survivor;
• Displaying sensitivity and compassion;
• Maintaining objectivity (WHO 2003).
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