JOSHUA WAFULA

951/23
TRAUMA PREVENTION
MD. JANE NGATIA
EAST AFRICA INSTITUTE OF PROFFESIONAL COUNSELLING
19/11/2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1: Cover Page

Page 2: Table of contents & Introduction
Page 8: Conclusion
Trauma Prevention Among Sexually Assaulted Individuals in Bungoma County:
Introduction:
Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that can have profound and lasting effects on
individuals. This term paper focuses on the importance of trauma prevention among sexually
assaulted individuals in Bungoma County, specifically targeting public vehicle drivers plying
designated routes. The rationale behind selecting this target group lies in the unique
vulnerability of individuals in the transportation sector, coupled with the prevalent but often
overlooked issue of sexual assault. The paper outlines the area coverage, justification for
selecting this group, management strategies, evaluation methods, and the potential benefits of
trauma prevention.

Area Coverage:
Bungoma County, situated in Western Kenya, serves as the geographical focus of this trauma
prevention initiative. The specific target within the county is public vehicle drivers and
customers that have been operating on designated routes between Bungoma Webuye and
Bungoma Kakamega. These individuals play a crucial role in the community's daily life,
providing transportation services and interacting with diverse passengers. A few passengers
have gone through assault by some of the rogue drivers and hence the need to address this
issue. By addressing trauma prevention and counseling among this group, the initiative aims to
create a ripple effect, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for both drivers and
passengers.
The Importance of Trauma Prevention in this case
Trauma counseling plays an important role in supporting people who have experienced sexual
violence. The importance of trauma counseling for those who have been sexually assaulted
spans many aspects, including psychological, emotional, and physical health.
The main reasons why trauma counseling is important in these cases are:
1. Trauma Counseling Provide a safe space for survivors to express their feelings and
examine your emotions. This recognizes the complex and often contradictory emotions
that can arise after sexual assault and promotes a sense of understanding and
acceptance.
2. Counselors assist survivors in developing healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the
effects of trauma. This may include fear, anxiety, and stress management techniques
that help individuals regain a sense of control over their lives.
3. Sexual assault often triggers her PTSD symptoms. Trauma counseling uses evidence-
based treatments to treat these symptoms and reduce the potential for long-term
psychological effects.
4. Counseling helps survivors regain a sense of autonomy over their bodies and lives and
empower survivors. It facilitates a step-by-step process of regaining control and making
decisions that are consistent with their well-being.
5. Timely trauma counseling helps prevent long-term mental health problems caused or
exacerbated by factors such as: This can reduce your risk of developing chronic mental
health problems such as depression and anxiety - The trauma of sexual assault.
6. Counseling provides a platform to address interpersonal challenges and facilitates
communication and understanding between survivors and their support networks.
7. Trauma counseling contributes to the development of resilience and helps survivors
recover from adversity. The emphasis is on strengthening coping skills and promoting a
positive outlook for the future.
8. Sexual assault can cause physical effects such as injuries and sexual health problems
there is. Counseling may include a referral to a medical professional to address these
physical aspects and ensure comprehensive care.
9. Counselors help normalize survivors' reactions to trauma. They explain that various
emotional responses such as fear, guilt, and numbness are common reactions to such
experiences, and alleviate self-blame and confusion.
10. Counseling provides survivors with strategies to reduce the risk of revictimization. This
includes safety plans, enforcement training, and healthy boundary education.
Justification for Targeting Public Vehicle Drivers :
1. Public vehicle drivers and even passengers often operate during late hours, exposing them to
increased risks of encountering incidents of sexual assault. Like a situation where, a client
leaves for work or just going somewhere, they are at a high risk of exposure to assault whether
female or male.
2. Drivers frequently interact with passengers, including potentially vulnerable individuals.
Sensitizing them to trauma prevention can create a protective environment for passengers who
may be at risk.
3. There is a lack of awareness and education on trauma prevention within this occupational
group. Addressing this gap is essential for fostering a safer community. Such that someone can
ply any route anywhere in the country and is assured of their safety. Take for example Uber,
which has made safety their concern in all they do.

General Management for Trauma Prevention:

1. The Approach:
- Collaborate with local transport associations and unions to gain access to public vehicle
drivers.
- Employ a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the sensitivity of the topic and the
potential triggering nature of discussions.

2. Sensitization Meetings:
- Conduct sensitization workshops at convenient locations such as transport terminals,
emphasizing the importance of trauma prevention.
- Utilize interactive sessions, incorporating real-life scenarios and practical strategies for
trauma prevention.

3. Duration:
- Implement a phased approach with multiple sessions to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Tailor the duration to the drivers' schedules, possibly integrating short sessions during
breaks or before shifts.
Evaluation:
1. Surveys and Feedback:
- To administer pre- and post-intervention surveys to gauge changes in knowledge and
attitudes.
- Collecting feedback from participants to assess the effectiveness of the trauma prevention
strategies through open ended questions, live discussions with them.

2. Incident Monitoring:
- Collaborate with local authorities and health facilities to monitor incidents of sexual assault
post-sensitization.
- Compare incident rates before and after the intervention to measure the impact.
- Developing means like Emergency Numbers that they can reach out through in case of such
emergencies for legal support.
- Develop a Assault centers across the world to ensure that there is proximity to assistance
when needed as well, and access to resources

Benefits of Trauma Prevention:

1. Reduced trauma contributes to improved mental health among individuals, leading to overall
well-being.
2. A sensitized group of public vehicle drivers enhances the safety of passengers, especially
those vulnerable to sexual assault.
3. By addressing trauma prevention, the initiative empowers the community to actively
participate in creating a safer environment.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
In conclusion, trauma prevention among sexually assaulted individuals in Bungoma County,
specifically targeting public vehicle drivers and passengers for me, is a crucial initiative with far-
reaching benefits.
The recommendations include the continuation of sensitization efforts, ongoing collaboration
with local authorities, and the establishment of a support network for those affected by sexual
assault.
By addressing trauma at its roots, this initiative aims to create a safer and more resilient
community. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation of strategies are recommended to ensure
sustained positive impact.
CITATIONS & BIBLIOGRAPHY
Resick, P. A., & Schnicke, M. K, Cognitive processing therapy for sexual assault victims, Journal
of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1992. 60(5), 748-756.
Foa, E. B., Rothbaum, B. O., Riggs, D. S., & Murdock, T. B. Treatment of posttraumatic stress
disorder in rape victims: A comparison between cognitive-behavioral procedures and
counseling. 1991. 59(5), 715-723.
Ullman, S. E., & Relyea, M. Vulnerability, Coping, and Sexual Assault: A Longitudinal Study of
College Women, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 2016. 84(3), 259–269.