Warning: This project discusses sexual assault.


In this project, journalist Rose Wangui speaks with young Kenyan rape victims who say they were denied justice.

While some perpetrators flee without facing charges, there are rape cases in Kenyan villages that are settled in a traditional dispute resolution system called Maslaha, which is led by elders, settled out of court, and offers small financial compensation to victims, many of whom become pregnant as a result of the rapes. In Maslaha, perpetrators avoid facing a criminal court. Victims' advocates warn against Maslaha and accuse elders of "protecting" rapists.

Meanwhile, victims whose families say they were pressured to resolve the cases in Maslaha are left isolated and traumatized while struggling to care for their children.

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