It’s estimated that not less than 30 per cent of Haitian ladies between the ages of 15 and 30 years previous have been the victims of sexual abuse or violence. The Spotlight Initiative, a world Initiative of the United Nations supported by the European Union to remove all types of violence in opposition to ladies and women, is working to remodel the lives of Haitian ladies for the higher.
Claudine* appears throughout a sweeping valley excessive above the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The lushness of the tropical vegetation, the cool contemporary air and the low-hanging clouds are in stark distinction to the dusty, scorching and suffocating backstreets of Petionville, decrease down the valley, the place 4 years in the past she was the sufferer of sexual abuse which modified her life.
“On the time, I used to be 16 years previous and dwelling with my cousin and her husband,” she stated. “I taken care of their youngsters, like they had been my very own.” Claudine ought to have been at college however after her mom and grandmother died had no different possibility however to grow to be a home employee in her cousin’s home. It was there that she was sexually assaulted by her cousin’s husband.
“I didn’t know what to do however a pal did report the incident to the police, however nothing was achieved to seek out the person.”
A refuge from abuse
A yr after her daughter was born, Claudine was taken to a refuge for abused minors, lots of whom like her had been caring for newborns. The refuge, the place she has lived now for 3 years, is run by Rapha Home, a company which is dedicated to ending the trafficking and sexual exploitation of youngsters.
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Nahomy Augustin is a mission coordinator for the worldwide NGO in Haiti. “Most of the younger ladies listed here are the victims of utmost poverty and insecurity, to the extent that the shortage of primary companies and alternatives that they’ve entry to implies that they grow to be susceptible to abuse,” she stated.
The refuge, which is situated in an deliberately inconspicuous constructing, in a tranquil neighbourhood above Port-au-Prince, helps the younger ladies within the restoration from their traumatic experiences. “We take a holistic strategy,” stated Nahomy Augustin, “and supply a variety of companies, together with medical and psychological care, lodging and authorized recommendation in addition to household mediation.”
The intention is to assist every younger girl to return to her household inside a yr so long as it’s protected, however many like Claudine keep longer. The refuge can presently accommodate 24 younger ladies in addition to their infants, however a brand new centre is being constructed which might present care to as much as 80 individuals.
The Highlight Initiative, in partnership with the UN Kids’s Fund, UNICEF, is supporting this and other refuges for women in Haiti.
Rape as a weapon
Geraldine Alferis is a gender-based violence expert at UNICEF. “Haiti, and especially the capital Port-au-Prince, is experiencing a surge in gang violence. Thousands of girls and women are being displaced, which makes them very vulnerable to abuse,” she said.
In July, the United Nations said that rival gangs in the Cite Soleil neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince were adopting the “systematic use of rape against women and girls as a weapon of war.”
“Gang rape is a particularly tragic occurrence and so we work to ensure that the survivors get the help they need,” said Geraldine Alferis.
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The Spotlight Initiative in Haiti focuses on ending domestic violence, rape, incest, sexual harassment, physical and psychological violence, as well as other restrictions on the freedoms and rights of women and girls. It also aims to provide holistic care to women and girls who are survivors of violence.
On a visit to the refuge, the UN Resident Coordinator in Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, said “it was chilling to hear the stories of these young women and girls,” adding that “I also sensed hope and recognized the importance of the services to which they have access.”
“I am proud of the Spotlight Initiative and the much-needed assistance it is providing along with our local partners, but what I heard on this visit is a stark reminder of the urgency to tackle the root causes of sexual violence.”
At the refuge above Port-au-Prince, the survivors like Claudine are able to study, taking school classes that many missed out on when they were younger. They can also take practical classes to learn skills like sewing or soap-making, which can enable them to make a small amount of money, a first important step towards building their independence.
“Going to school is very important,” said Claudine. “If you are working for a family like I did, it is not enough just to receive food and have a bed. You must be given the opportunity to study and make a life for yourself.”
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