For years in Kenya domestic violence has been meted out on men, women and children. There was no specific legislation on such a crime.
In May 2015, The Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (PADV) was accented to and its commencement date was June 2015.
The Act defines domestic violence as violence against that person, or threat of violence of imminent danger to that person, by any other person with whom that person is, or has been in a domestic relationship.
The Act clearly states that one is in a domestic relationship if that person:
- Is married to that other person
- Has previously been married to the other person
- Is living in the same person with that other person
- Has been in marriage with the other person that has been dissolved.
- Is a family member to the other person ( relatives like Cousins, aunts, uncles)
- Is or has been engaged to be married to that person.
- Has a child with the other person.
- Has a close personal relationship with the other person.
This Act aims at providing guidance on protection of domestic violence victims and provision of relief to the victims.
PADV Act protects the spouses and children or other dependent persons of domestic violence. It also provides guidance on matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.