By: Fred Yeegbeh Jr, ELBC Lower Nimba Correspondent/Nimba D-9 TV Tappita Reporter, +231886853231,+231775945696, yeegbehfred@gmail.com Edited & posted by: Edmund C. Gbarwee, Nimba D-9 TV Public Health Reporter, ceo@onenimbahouse.com, +231778070604

Tappita, Nimba Liberia: – In a commendable act of solidarity, the Efficient Research and Development Institute (ERDI) has contributed LRD 5,000 via mobile money to assist in transporting a rape suspect to Sanniquellie for trial.

This contribution follows a public appeal broadcast on Nimba D-9 TV and Radio Larwheyii, calling for immediate assistance to ensure justice is served.

The funds provided by ERDI will expedite the transportation of the perpetrator to Sanniquellie, where the legal process will continue. This timely support brings renewed hope to the victim’s family, who remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice.

Rape and sexual violence are grave issues in Liberia, particularly in rural areas like Nimba County. This region, like much of Liberia, is still recovering from the effects of two brutal civil wars (1989-1997 and 1999-2003), which left deep social scars and weakened institutional structures. The prevalence of sexual violence, including rape, is a serious concern, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, weak law enforcement, traditional gender norms, and a lack of access to education and healthcare.

Some Challenges Faced by Rape Victims

• Stigma and Social Exclusion

   Social Stigma-: Victims of rape in Nimba often face severe social stigma. They are frequently blamed for the assault, viewed as “damaged goods,” and are sometimes ostracized by their communities. This can lead to further emotional trauma and isolation.

• Family Rejection-: In some cases, the victim’s family may disown them due to the shame associated with rape, leaving them without crucial support systems.

Lack of Access to Justice

• Weak Law Enforcement-: Law enforcement in rural areas like Nimba is often under-resourced and ineffective. Police may be miles away, and even when available, they might lack the training or resources to handle rape cases appropriately.
• Cultural Barriers-: Traditional beliefs and practices can discourage reporting rape cases. Victims might be pressured to settle the matter within the community through traditional justice systems, which often prioritize reconciliation over justice for the victim.
• Corruption-: In some instances, perpetrators may bribe their way out of prosecution, leaving victims without recourse.

Physical and Psychological Health Issues

• Lack of Medical Care-: Rural areas like Nimba often have limited access to medical care. Victims may not receive the necessary medical attention, including treatment for injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or access to post-rape care such as emergency contraception.
• Psychological Trauma-: The psychological impact of rape is profound, and victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal tendencies. However, mental health services are virtually non-existent in rural Liberia, leaving victims to cope on their own.

Economic Hardship

• Impact on Education-: Young victims may drop out of school due to the trauma or due to stigma and bullying from peers. This dropout can limit their future economic opportunities and trap them in a cycle of poverty.
• Loss of Livelihood-: In many rural families, if a rape victim is an adult woman, her ability to work or engage in economic activities can be severely affected. This can impact the entire family’s income, particularly in subsistence farming communities.

Legal and Institutional Challenges

• Inadequate Legal Framework-: While Liberia has laws against rape, the implementation is often lacking. The legal process is slow, and many cases are never prosecuted. Victims are sometimes pressured to drop charges or settle out of court.
• Lack of Support Services-: There is a dearth of support services, such as shelters or counseling centers, for rape victims in rural areas. This leaves victims without a safe space to recover and rebuild their lives.

Challenges Faced by the Parents of Rape Victims

Social and Cultural Pressures

• Shame and Guilt-: Parents often feel a deep sense of shame and guilt, blaming themselves for not protecting their child. They may also face blame from the community, which can lead to social isolation.
• Pressure to Settle-: In many cases, parents are pressured by the community or even by the perpetrator’s family to settle the matter outside the legal system. This could involve accepting a payment or some other form of compensation in exchange for dropping charges.

Economic Strain

• Medical and Legal Costs-: Seeking justice or medical care for a rape victim can be costly. Many families in Nimba live in poverty, and the additional burden of medical expenses, legal fees, or transportation to courts can be overwhelming.
• Loss of Labor-: If the victim is unable to work or continue schooling, the family might lose a valuable source of labor or potential income, exacerbating their economic hardship.

Psychological Impact

• Emotional Distress-: The parents of rape victims often experience severe emotional distress, including feelings of helplessness, anger, and depression. The lack of mental health services means that they have little to no support in dealing with these emotions.
• Impact on Family Dynamics-: The trauma of rape can strain family relationships, leading to conflicts, especially if there are differing opinions on how to handle the situation. Some families may even break apart as a result of the stress.

Fear for Safety

• Continued Threats-: In some cases, perpetrators or their families may threaten the victim’s family to prevent them from pursuing legal action. This can create an environment of fear and insecurity.
• Reluctance to Report-: The fear of retaliation or further harm may deter parents from reporting the crime or seeking justice, leaving the perpetrator free to harm others.

Conclusion

Rape victims and their families in rural Liberia, particularly in regions like Nimba, face a multitude of challenges that are deeply intertwined with the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the area. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to healthcare and education, providing psychosocial support, and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence through community education and empowerment programs.

Despite this critical support, the victim’s parents continue to appeal for further assistance from the public and organizations as they seek justice for their child. They can be reached via +231555249025 or +231886853231