The Liberian government has provided emergency relocation support to the family of an eight-year-old rape survivor, following reports of intimidation, unauthorized filming, and repeated visits by strangers after the case gained media attention. The Ministry of Justice has allocated $600 to help the family move to a new location, citing security concerns. This decision comes after the child’s mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, reported feeling unsafe in her community due to the constant threats and harassment.
The case has highlighted the risks faced by rape survivors and their families once their stories become public. The mother had previously reported being forced to pay court officials to proceed with the case against her daughter’s alleged rapist, which is against the law. The Director of the Justice Ministry’s Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes Unit, Isaac L. George Jr., condemned the actions of the court officials and promised an investigation.
The child has been receiving medical treatment since the alleged rape and is currently being supported by the government. The relocation is expected to provide a safe environment for the family to heal and rebuild their lives. Women’s rights advocates have welcomed the government’s decision but emphasized that such support is often uneven and unsustainable. They argue that functional safe homes and standardized survivor support are essential for protecting victims of rape and their families.
The case has also raised concerns about the handling of evidence by the police. The mother reported that relatives of the alleged perpetrator recorded her and her daughter without consent, and the phone used to record the videos was seized and reported to the police. However, the police claimed that there were no images on the phone, and no action was taken. The Women and Children Montserrado County Commander denied seeing any images and rejected claims of evidence mishandling.
The relocation of the family is a positive step towards protecting the rights and safety of rape survivors and their families. However, it also highlights the need for a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to supporting victims of rape and addressing the root causes of sexual violence in Liberia. The government and civil society organizations must work together to ensure that survivors receive the support and protection they need to rebuild their lives and seek justice.
