Using a human security lens to examine experiences of violence against women in long-term encampment

Background: Issues of violence in humanitarian migration are complex, and more so when individuals live in long-term encampment. A gendered view of violence and migration brings into sharper focus the protracted situation for female humanitarian migrants and the specific vulnerabilities to which they are exposed when forced to migrate. Informed by the human security paradigm, this study explores women’s experiences with violence in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Methods: Convenience sampling methods were used to enroll women of Somali origin (N = 260). A structured questionnaire consisting of culturally and linguistically validated measures was administered by trained community health promoters. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relationship between variables, allowing for an analysis of the factors influencing experiences of violence for women in the camp. Results: The average length of stay was approximately14 years. Findings indicate that individual and household-level factors—marital status, age, and household food security—were associated with experiences of violence. Further, sociocultural and security-level factors—attitudes toward intimate partner violence, access to security services, and immigration services—were associated with experiences of violence. Conclusion: This study contributes to the existing and growing body of literature on the determinants of violence against female humanitarian migrants in long-term encampment and their lived experiences. Policy recommendations are provided.