Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Alcohol is the most abused drug in Kenya (WHO,2006),its consumption has spread wide and far according to a survey done by( NACADA,2001).Alcoholism which is also referred to as alcohol abuse is a psychiatric diagnosis that has negative effects in the society. These effects can be economical, physical, or emotional .One of the most significant areas of risks with the use of alcohol is the connection between alcohol and crime. Research shows that alcohol abusers in many occasions end up committing crimes. In this project I shall be looking at a case study of Kiambu County of alcoholism and its use related crimes against women.
Recent study shows that alcoholism affects inhibition, and that violent crimes against women are often perpetuated while under the influence (Michael Livingstone.2005).The crimes mentioned include homicide, domestic violence, stranger violence, rape and sexual abuse. These experiences have a psychological, emotional, physical and financial impact on the victim. Different methods have been developed in order to help the victimized cope and manage with their day to day lives. Through prevention strategies like public education and treatment of the victimized through therapy (Campbell, 1999) this can be accomplished.
The research was conducted in Nyeri town constituency, where data was collected through interviews and filling in questionnaires that were prepared to attain the objectives of this case study. The research was carried out in Mathare, Rware, Gatitu, Ruring’u and Kamakwa which are all the five wards in Nyeri town constituency .The targeted population were women ranging 18-40 years both married and unmarried.
According to the respondent, rape/sexual abuse and domestic violence were the most frequently committed crimes; the victims being single and married respectively. From the research the impact of crime and alcoholism seems to affects the women physically and financially mostly and the most preferable way the victims wish to be restored is through restorative justice. From the research I conducted I was able to achieve my first objective that entailed to establish the use- related crimes that result from alcoholism, committed against women as well as my second objective that was to determine the impact the crimes have on women. After doing a comprehensive study on my research suppression was the most preferable way to reduce victimization thus achieving my third objective. For my fourth objective the suggested methods for treatment of victimization were restorative justice, medication and therapy. Restorative justice being the most preferred.
