Rimaze*, a 17-year-old girl was raped by an old man in Bazia Jedia, one of the counties in Western Bahr El Ghazal. When Rimaze was brought to the One Stop Centre OCS in Wau teaching Hospital, she shared with the case workers, “I fear for my health and fear if I would get any diseases or pregnancy”. Rimze was traumatized by the incident and had expressed suicidal thoughts. “At the GBV One Stop Center, I received counseling and medical support, which made me feel safe and calm because I am certain there will be no diseases or pregnancy. And now nothing would hinder me from going back to school and live with dignity in my community,” Rimaze shared her hopes.
After three weeks of counseling, Rimze was supported to return to the community. The counselling sessions helped to restore her self-confidence that rape is not end of life. Her parents and community in the neighboring area were sensitized on the importance of breaking the silence around sexual violence and bringing GBV survivors to access life-saving services. They were made aware of their critical role in restoring Rimaze’s life and self-esteem. This sensitization played a crucial role as Rimaze has been supported to go back to school.
Aza Khamis, the Case worker who supported Rimaze throughout the process expressed joy that she could assist her with life saving medical support and counseling. Aza stated “When Rimaze arrived at the OSC, she was distressed and expressed suicidal ideation, and she kept saying ‘that old man ended my life!” After realizing that there are facilities and people who survivors can turn to, Rimaze became assured. Reflecting from her experience, Aza adds that on most occasions, survivors especially sexual violence survivors arrive at OSC in this state of confusion, distress and pain. Expressing her exasperation, Aza said, “I get overwhelmed by the reality that rape still persists in our community. But what gives me most satisfaction is that these survivors always come back to share with us when they become well.”
The Community Mobilizers of One Stop Centre shared that the Community Action Groups established in the communities act as the support system for the survivors and assist the survivors by bringing them to the centre to seek timely help, and also help the survivors to deal with the initial trauma. “The group also raises awareness in the community on rape, early marriage and early pregnancy and highlights its negative effect on the girls and community, and we realise that building these community groups is the strategy to prevent the occurrence of GBV, especially sexual violence.
“I cannot imagine the shame and stigma I would have had to live with for the rest of my life. I am grateful to my parents and neighbors who took me to the One stop center, where I received counseling that has boosted my confidence and has motivated me to go back to school,’’ expressed Rimaze, the young survivor, ready to start the new chapter of her life.
The One Stop Centre in Wau, led by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and State Ministry of Health, which support with referrals and overall coordination. The OSC is managed by SIHA Network (Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa), a women’s rights organization, and supported by UNFPA and Swiss Development Cooperation Agency (SDC), where many GBV survivor like Rimaze access free and survivor-centric medical, psycho-social and legal support. The One Stop Center and safe house play a critical role in access to timely, efficient, and effective support services for the survivors of GBV.
