Exploring the Relationship Between Stigma, Stigma Challenges, and Disclosure Among Slum-Dwelling Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya

This article uses survey data from 131 women living in urban slums in Kenya to explore associations between stigma, stigma challenges, empowerment, and disclosure of intimate partner violence (IPV). A total of 81.7% of women reported informal or formal disclosure of IPV. A bystander offering help and experiencing stigma were associated with significant increases in the odds of informal and formal disclosure. There were also significant positive associations between participating in financial decision-making, membership in survivor support groups, and formal disclosure. Results suggest that interpersonal, community, and structural challenges to stigma interfere with stigma as a barrier to disclosure.