Girls Escape Violence at the Rescue Center

Finding Safety and Hope: Angel’s Story

Angel is a 10-year-old girl from Kibera. For the past month, she has been living in our Rescue Center finally safe from the sexual violence that has become an epidemic in the area. A recent study on violence against children in Kenya found that an overwhelming 32% of girls have experienced sexual violence.

Angel has been the victim of multiple counts of rape. Most recently, she was assaulted on her way to school. She bravely reported the incident to a teacher, who was finally able to get her the help she needs. Sadly, Angel had experienced three previous incidents of violence inflicted by her own relatives, all of which had gone unreported.

We first met Angel on a Monday afternoon in June, after she was taken to a neighboring health clinic that treats survivors of sexual violence. Known for the emergency care we provide to children who have experienced abuse, the clinic called upon St. Vincent's to provide Angel with immediate shelter. Our staff spent the day working with her, the clinic, and local government authorities. By evening, Angel was placed under our care, where she remains today.

Angel is an incredibly sweet girl who still manages to pull off a bright smile when she greets you. She loves coloring, playing games, and solving puzzles, and she has already started to bond with the other children in our home.

The trauma Angel has experienced will not soon dissipate. However, for now, we can promise her a refuge where she receives ample food, medical care, and emotional support. Most importantly, we provide a place where she can close her eyes each night knowing that she is completely safe.

* Angel is a pseudo Name changed to safeguard the privacy and identity of the child.

Author : Grace  Muthanje / Rescue House matron.