Abstract:
The negative psychological consequences of rape are profound and long-term. The
psychological dysfunctional consequences of rape are more serious than its physical
effects. The objective of this study was to determine effects of lay trauma counseling on
rape survivors. Survivors were consecutively recruited (n=410), 128 in Thika sub-county
the intervention arm and 282 in Naivasha sub-county the Non-intervention arm. Intervention group received both the ‘standard care’ and ICLRTC intervention for nine
months. Data was analyzed using descriptive, Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher Exact
test to determine factors associated with each dependent variable, OR and 95% CI were
used to estimate strength of association between independent and dependent variable.
Results at baseline revealed a significant difference in the distribution of survivors’
residence by study arm (p<0.001). ‘Safety’ and ‘dissatisfaction needs were significantly
different (p=0.004) and (p=0.001) respectively, in distribution among survivors by study
arm at baseline. There was baseline equivalence in all selected psychological distress
characteristics between the study arms (p>0.05). The magnitude of change in
improvement of positive psychological outcomes by 3rd, 6th, and 9th month of ICLRTC
intervention was higher in Non-intervention arm compared to intervention arm.
Conclusion: the main needs among survivors were ‘safety’ and ‘dissatisfaction’; and the
main psychological distress characteristics were depression and RTS. The predictors of
depression were Age ≥ 12 years old, self blame and RTS; and predictors of RTS were
depression and shame. Recommendations: The legal-justice system and the African
‘Clan of Elders Courts’ ought to protect women and girls from perpetrators who live
within or near their homes. PRC providers ought to be friendly while they deliver
services in a sensitive manner. There is need to replicate this study under normal
circumstances to find out if there will be significant difference of findings from results
of this study.
