"Florence"

Statistics show that most cases of sexual violence are not instigated by strangers but rather by people we know and those that have been in our lives for many years. In the case of Florence’s story, we see yet another example of this happening.

Florence sat with us while she held her beautiful baby. Despite her complex and challenging story, her conviction to continue with school has led her to Form 4 (last year of high school). After she discovered her pregnancy, she continued with school and only took one week off after her delivery before continuing with school studies. She hopes to open a general shop that sells clothes when she graduates.

Florence starts her story but telling us the rape she endured at the hands of the family’s butler. Her grandmother had to travel to a different city for a funeral, and Florence was coming home from school. The butler was supposed to look after Florence; instead, he came into her bedroom at night and took advantage of her body. He also told her that he would kill her if she spoke to anyone about what happened. Florence feared for her life, but she knew she had to tell someone. She went to her grandmother’s close friend, who took her to the hospital.

She underwent extensive surgery to stitch her vagina back together on top of the standard medical exam procedures while at the hospital. In the meantime, Florence’s uncle had bought a new house and requested the butler come and work for him, so he left the village swiftly. When she reported to the police, there was a search, and he was arrested. He was only in prison for one year before being released due to the pandemic. After this, Florence moved in with her mother as she is still fearing for her life. His threatening words have scared her into hiding, especially now that she knows he has been released. Florence spoke with conviction and passion about her experiences and her vision for a world without violence.

Florence has overcome immense trauma and is a powerful individual. She had the help of her educators and the community leader to build her resiliency. Her teachers encouraged her to continue with school despite her pregnancy, and she is thankful for this encouragement.

Florence has learned the dangers of instilling fear in others and keeping secrets, which is why she has been open and willing to share her story with us. She believes that awareness and sensitization training is a way forward in lessening instances of violence similar to what she endured.