Breaking the Silence: A Hybrid Digital-Community Ecosystem for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Healing in Kenya
1
Iyashi Wellness Centre, NAIROBI, Kenya
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a devastating public health crisis in Kenya, shrouded in a culture of silence and stigma that prevents healing and perpetuates intergenerational trauma. Existing interventions often fail to reach the most vulnerable children and adolescents due to fear of disclosure, fragmented services, and a lack of confidential, youth-friendly access points. To achieve health equity, we must dismantle these barriers. Iyashi Wellness Centre present Project RISE, an AI powered child protection platform designed to shift the narrative from shame to safety by combining digital innovation with community-led support.
METHODS:
Project RISE integrates: 1) A digital platform featuring an education hub for prevention education (teaching body autonomy and consent) , a parent/ caregiver hub for parents to hold sensitive conversations at home and an AI-powered chatbot for 24/7 confidential initial support. It also includes a community support system comprising safe circles, peer support groups facilitated by trained teachers and community health promoters (CHPs). This dual approach ensures that technology provides the access, while human networks provide the healing.
RESULTS:
The project methodology builds upon the clinically validated trauma healing programme we have been implementing at Iyashi Wellness Centre including Singing to the Lions' trauma-healing program which demonstrated effectiveness in building resilience among 100 care-experienced youth for the Kenya Society of Care Leavers (KESCA). The current pilot targets 12,000 children and adolescents in Nairobi , with expected outcomes including increased knowledge of body safety, reduced isolation among survivors, and higher rates of successful linkage to professional care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Achieving health without borders requires removing the invisible borders of stigma and fear that isolate abuse survivors. Project RISE demonstrates that sustainable CSA prevention is not just about a reporting hotline; but is building accessible ecosystems where every child, regardless of location, has the tools to stay safe and heal.
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a devastating public health crisis in Kenya, shrouded in a culture of silence and stigma that prevents healing and perpetuates intergenerational trauma. Existing interventions often fail to reach the most vulnerable children and adolescents due to fear of disclosure, fragmented services, and a lack of confidential, youth-friendly access points. To achieve health equity, we must dismantle these barriers. Iyashi Wellness Centre present Project RISE, an AI powered child protection platform designed to shift the narrative from shame to safety by combining digital innovation with community-led support.
METHODS:
Project RISE integrates: 1) A digital platform featuring an education hub for prevention education (teaching body autonomy and consent) , a parent/ caregiver hub for parents to hold sensitive conversations at home and an AI-powered chatbot for 24/7 confidential initial support. It also includes a community support system comprising safe circles, peer support groups facilitated by trained teachers and community health promoters (CHPs). This dual approach ensures that technology provides the access, while human networks provide the healing.
RESULTS:
The project methodology builds upon the clinically validated trauma healing programme we have been implementing at Iyashi Wellness Centre including Singing to the Lions' trauma-healing program which demonstrated effectiveness in building resilience among 100 care-experienced youth for the Kenya Society of Care Leavers (KESCA). The current pilot targets 12,000 children and adolescents in Nairobi , with expected outcomes including increased knowledge of body safety, reduced isolation among survivors, and higher rates of successful linkage to professional care.
CONCLUSIONS:
Achieving health without borders requires removing the invisible borders of stigma and fear that isolate abuse survivors. Project RISE demonstrates that sustainable CSA prevention is not just about a reporting hotline; but is building accessible ecosystems where every child, regardless of location, has the tools to stay safe and heal.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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