The Comoros has around 30% of child brides. This group is responsible for most of the cases of sexual violence in Africa.
This scourge was the focus of a recent UN event, which took place during the opening session. Senior officials demanded that measures be taken to ensure that perpetrators are held responsible for their crimes.
“I followed him into the house. I didn’t know he was going to rape me.” At just 13 years old, Mariama (not her real name) was sexually assaulted by a neighbour when she returned home from school: Nine months later, still a child herself, she became a mother. “At 16, I have a daughter who is almost one and a half years old.”
About 17 percent of women in Comoros have been victims of sexual violence at least once in their lives. Furthermore, more than 30 percent of girls marry while they are still young.
Most cases of violence are reported by young girls, says Said Ahamed Said, from the Comoros Ministry of Health: “Last year we received 173 reports of sexual violence, of which 162 were against young girls under age 17.”
But, given the social norms in The Comoros, and women’s economic vulnerability, the official figures are believed to be just the tip of the iceberg.
Reporting violence to a man is taboo. As long as she lives in the same home as the man, it is unlikely that she will come forward.
“The woman often don’t have a source of income, and when a man divorces a woman, he doesn’t take care of the children anymore”, explained Mr. Said. “There are no social services to manage such cases, nor places where they can find shelter”.
Listening and protecting
Despite the challenges, UN is determined that all forms violence against Comoros women and girls will be stopped.
The UN reproductive health agency UNFPA, has created a toll free hotline for victims of violence who can call for information and help about getting legal and medical help. This support the Listening and Protection Service for Children and Women Victims of Violence in Moroni.
The Service provides contraceptive and midwifery services, post-rape care, screenings for sexually transmitted infections, and referrals to hospitals. A psychologist has been added to the Service since 2021 to assist girls and women who have been left to care for their families.
The Service was established 17 years ago. Since then, there has been an increase in awareness about the issue of sexual violence in The Comoros. Women and girls are more likely than ever to report assaults.
After her attack Mariama, determined to seek help and justice, received medical and legal assistance from the centre, and staff supported her as the case made its way through the courts after the man’s arrest.
‘Most perpetrators never face responsibility’
The sense of urgency in ensuring accountability for sexual violence was stressed at a recent side event to the 77th UN General Assembly, which emphasized the need to focus on survivors’ needs and rights above all.
“The survivor-centred approach we promote is about listening to survivors, treating them with dignity, and advocating for a response centred on their needs and wishes,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem.
“Very few have access to justice, and most perpetrators never face responsibility for their crimes. Such impunity silences the survivors and emboldens the perpetrators.”
Ms. Kanem described sexual violence as a “global emergency that demands our full commitment, collaboration and mobilization.”
“Sexual violence is not inevitable,” she said. “We cannot allow it to become normalized in any way”.
Justice that is short-lived
Mariama’s justice was frustratingly brief: Her rapist was freed after spending just one year in prison. “I still see him in our neighbourhood, but I always stay away or change my route. If he tries to talk to me, I will not answer,” she said.
She is determined, even though she fears being attacked once again. “My focus now is my education: I want to become a lawyer.”
Mariama wants Mariama to stand up for herself, and for others, particularly her daughter. “I want her to be able to better defend herself, and other young girls who may suffer any form of abuse.”
Distributed by APO Group for United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).
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Source: african.business
