Psychosocial Interventions and Recovery Needs of Sexual Assault Survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

Abstract

Sexual assault is among the most distressing forms of trauma globally, often resulting in severe mental and physical health consequences. However, there is a paucity of research examining the nature of psychosocial recovery needs provided in Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centres (GBVRCs), particularly within the Kenyan context. This study aimed to investigate recovery needs and psychosocial interventions for sexual assault survivors within GBVRCs in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to: Assess recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, examine perspectives of counsellors and clients on the influence of psychosocial interventions in addressing recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, analyse perspectives of counsellors and clients on the challenges of psychosocial interventions used in addressing recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya and explore counsellor and client perspectives on strategies for improving the psychosocial interventions used in addressing recovery needs of sexual assault survivors in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The study was guided by Cognitive-Behavioural theory and Ecological Systems Theory. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study targeted 97 sexual assault survivors and 43 trauma counsellors attached to GBVRCs in Uasin Gishu County. Purposive sampling was used to select counsellors and survivors. Data were collected through questionnaires, interview schedules, and document analysis. To ensure reliability and validity, the data collection instruments were piloted in five GBVRCs in Nandi County, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8312 and a Content Validity Index of 0.85. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used for data analysis, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that the most critical recovery need identified by counsellors was the provision of information on legal options for survivors considering legal action (mean = 4.20, SD = 1.106). The study concluded that a holistic, survivor-centred approach is essential for the effective recovery of sexual assault survivors in GBVRCs. It is recommended that GBVRCs adopt a trauma-informed, integrated service delivery model that ensures physical safety, mental health support, legal advocacy, and long-term social reintegration for survivors.