A 14-year-old girl from Sutukonding, Basse, has received justice after a harrowing ordeal involving a butcher who regularly sold meat to her family.The girl was escorted to the Basse One-Stop Center by a police officer to report an alleged rape that had resulted in her pregnancy. The young survivor recounted the abuse she endured at the hands of a trusted individual.

 He would invite me to his butcher shop where he would engage in sexual intercourse with me and then give me money. I lost count of how many times this happened, she said.

The caseworker at the Basse One-Stop Center provided psychosocial support, while a referral was made for clinical management of rape (CMR) services within the one-stop centre in ensuring her well-being, In providing the CMR, the survivor was confirmed pregnant.

As part of the GBV case management process, The case was then referred to the police Gender and Child Welfare Office and subsequently to the prosecution unit. The Division of Social Welfare and the Child Protection Alliance worked tirelessly to expedite the prosecution process. The case was swiftly sent to the Basse High Court, where a doctor provided crucial evidence. The police intervened promptly, apprehending the perpetrator and ensuring his detention throughout the legal proceedings.

In a landmark decision, the High Court in Basse sentenced the perpetrator to 20 years of imprisonment. Their collective efforts and the strong advocacy from UNFPA and her partners including the Network Against Gender Based Violence ( NGBV) were instrumental in ensuring that justice prevailed for the young survivor. This verdict sends a powerful message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated.

As survivors, don't remain silent, services are available; contact any of the one-stop centers near you  or call the 199 helpline to report a case or access services.