The question “Why didn’t you leave?” hangs heavily over many abuse victims as they prepare to separate themselves from their abusers, possibly after years of mistreatment.

This question is asked by friends, family, and by the victims themselves over and over again.

Traditionally, domestic violence has been characterized by invisibility. Domestic violence has previously gone unregulated or unsanctioned because it occurs in the home, where privacy is supposed to reign supreme against the arm of justice. Trans people have unique issues that increase the likelihood that domestic violence committed against them will thrive in silence.

Many trans people exist in a “legal limbo.” They may be unable to get the “legal gender” on their identification to match their gender identity, forcing them to utilize an I.D with gender markers that do not match their gender presentation. Their legal gender can have an impact on the state-recognized legitimacy of their identity and relationships as well as their access to services and benefits.

For example, they are at more risk of being harassed and discriminated against because of the absence of protections that would be found in trans-inclusive anti-discrimination laws when seeking justice against violations.

socioeconomic barriers have majorly contributed to structural issues such as lack of access to trans-specific healthcare, housing and income earning opportunities among a few that put I.T.GNC victims of abuse at a disavantageous state to accessing help and justice.

This perpetuates the high rates of un-reported violence that plagues the Intersex, Transgender & Gender Non Conforming community.

In marking 16Days of Activism in Kenya, speak out, call out, intervene ,advocate!

credits: Still Hidden in the Closet: Trans Women and Domestic Violence-Kae Greenberg†