Red Cross Train Nurses, Police on Psychological First Aid For GBV Survivors

Nurses and police officers have been challenged to practice self-care as they offer psychological first aid to gender-based violence survivors.

This was accentuated during a two-day training facilitated by Kenya Red Cross Society Bungoma Branch with support from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and National police service alongside other service providers drawn from Mt. Elgon, Kopsiro, and Cheptais sub counties.

According to Dismas Ochieng, a psychologist, offering psychological first aid is a necessity for both the service providers and survivors they attend to.

“Gender-based violence is still rampant in this region, and there is no doubt that even some nurses and police officers are victims, so as much as you are giving support to your patients and clients, it is crucial to seek help for yourselves,” advised Ochieng’.

He also divulged that special attention should be given to vulnerable survivors, who include children, adolescents, people living with disabilities, and people who are at risk of discrimination.

He added, “It is vital to analyze and ensure the basic needs of survivors are met to ensure they regain self-control by using their natural copying mechanisms like relaxing, exercising, and attending to personal hygiene.”

Margaret Wanyonyi, County Coordinator, Kenya Red Cross Bungoma, said that they are working closely with court user committees on referral issues to ensure the survivors are safe during and after their cases.

According to County GBV Programme Officer , Janet Khisa, there are many safe homes within the Western region to cater for children, whereas there is one in Vihiga and another in Nairobi for adult survivors.

Ben Wafula, a nurse working at Kipsabula, expressed his gratitude to the Kenya Red Cross for providing vital and timely information regarding their well-being and that of their clients.

“From this training we’ve learnt to prioritize self-care by preventing burn out, feeding well, exercising our body and mind so that we can provide our clients with the best services as we continue to fight GBV to the best of our abilities,” highlighted Wafula.

Donald Masake, a nursing officer at Kapkateny, echoed Wafula’s sentiments, citing professional and emotional self-care.

“We as service providers become more vulnerable if we don’t take care of our emotional intelligence and social lives; the police and nurses who are on the frontlines are highly affected, and we request more of such trainings to better our understanding,” cited Masake.

Around 30 nurses and police officers from Kongit, Kaptalelio, Cheptais, Kapkateny, and Kopsiro graced the training.