Can parents protect their children from incest?

Incest is a social taboo in many African countries though still rampant. In Kenya, it is exceedingly common with police reports indicating that most defilement cases are from close relatives of the victim. While Kenya recognises the value of Alternative Justice Systems or Mechanism (AJS) according to the 2016 Human Rights Baseline survey, its simplicity in handling incest matters remains unsatisfactory because of the prejudice against the female. A light penalty or a reprimand may not be enough to guarantee that the assailant will not repeat the offence.

Ann Gathuma, a life coach and parenting counselor says that mothers have the responsibility to educate their daughters on issues of sex and sexuality.

"If you see a girl over 10 years cuddling her father's beards, be firm but with love tell her that is wrong and take time to explain," she notes. Mothers should also make friends with their daughters in that there won't be secrets between them so that should anyone make an indecent move to her, the first person to tell would be a mother.

Ann also observes than men who have not overcome Oedipus complex may see a younger version of the wives in their daughters and may be tempted to abuse them sexually. She says that detaching them at an older age may be difficult hence it is important to curb the behaviour when the girl is still young. Fathers need to distinguish between love and abuse in their daughters, she says.

She advises women to also make their husbands their friends so that discussing their doubts, fears and jealousies is easy and friendly.

Allan Kimani, a Counseling psychologist with Nairobi Counseling Services advises that a spouse suffering extensive psychological abuse should walk out of the marriage for their own good.