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Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has lamented an increase in sexual and gender-based violence due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

Kenyatta addressed the nation on Monday as he issued new guidelines for a phased reopening of the East African country’s economy.

“I am concerned by increasing tensions within our homes.  Cases of Gender-Based Violence have increased, mental health issues have worsened, and instances of teenage pregnancy have escalated,” he said.

“I appeal to social institutions, including the religious institutions, to exercise civic responsibility to bring these unfortunate trends to an end.”

Kenya has been under lockdown since March when the country reported its first case of COVID-19.

Experts say restrictions imposed by the government holed victims up in abusive spaces, with nowhere to go to.

According to government data, 45 percent of women and 44 percent of men between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced physical violence. The main perpetrators of physical violence against women are husbands, whereas the main perpetrators against men are parents, teachers, and others.

The Human Right Watch organization says the restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic make it harder for survivors to report abuse and seek help, and for service providers to respond efficiently.

The group urged the Kenyan government to protect women and girls against violence during this crisis.

In his address on Monday, President Kenyatta tasked the National Crime Research Centre to prepare an advisory for the country’s security agencies on remedial action within 30 days to initiate immediate prosecution of all violators of sexual and gender-based violence.