When Home Was No Longer Safe

She does not know her parents.

After completing her primary education, she lived with her aunt in Cotonou, who had once told her that she had two siblings. When her aunt could no longer afford to send her to secondary school, she was brought to the family she now lives with last year.

The family appeared ordinary. The woman and her husband are both involved in business and have two children. The woman travels frequently, while her husband often works from home.

But whenever the house was empty, he would sexually abuse her.

It started one day while she was washing clothes. He touched her breast and buttocks. Two days later, he raped her. When she tried to keep what was happening to herself, he threatened to kill her and her aunt if she told anyone.

The abuse continued whenever she was alone in the house with him.

Eventually, she became seriously ill and could no longer bear what was happening to her body. She went to a neighbour, who took her to the hospital. There, she was diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections.

It was then that she found the courage to speak.

She told her neighbour what had been happening. The neighbour believed her, stood by her, and brought her to the Centre.

Sometimes, speaking up begins with one person who is willing to listen.

Every child deserves to be safe. Every survivor deserves to be believed, protected, and supported.