2007: Spotlight on “M”
We cannot reveal her name or her whereabouts. We cannot publish a photo. To do any of these would jeopardize her life—a life that was nearly taken from her in a horrifying series of events when she was just 13 years old.
This story starts in Sierra Leone, a tiny country in West Africa that is the poorest country in the world according to UN figures. It is a country that has been engaged in civil war for over 11 years resulting in a deep, unrelenting humanitarian crisis that has left it devastated. As many as 75,000 people have been killed, and over 2 million forcefully displaced. It cannot be calculated how many have been victims of well-documented terror tactics like abduction, rape, torture and mutilation. Presently, trials are taking place in a UN-backed special court in which those who committed crimes against humanity are being tried. Key to these trials are the witnesses, who are under protection of the court for their safety. The court also specifies that medical treatments, as needed, be sought for these exceptionally courageous individuals who are risking their lives to bring the guilty rebels to justice.
In a letter from the clinical psychologist who supervises the medical and psychological care provided for witnesses in the court, help was sought for “M” who was a victim of extreme sexual violence 10 years ago when she was no more than a child. She was captured by 6 anti-government rebels and for days was forced to witness atrocities and killings. Ultimately, she was raped repeatedly by all of them; fists and foreign objects were brutally forced into her vagina.
The damage was devastating. Both urine and feces flowed uncontrollably from her vagina and because of the persistent bad odor caused by this condition as well as other physical problems, “M” was eventually rejected by her family and community. It is hard to think about a girl so young being banished from her home and ostracized from family and friends, but it is a fact.
She was not able to recover because there were no medical resources available in the region to address such a complicated case. Many doctors were consulted about her condition and at least one surgery was attempted but it was unsuccessful. “M” was now filled with infection, suffering unbearable pain and feelings of hopelessness.
Finally, it was suggested that her severe condition could possibly be treated in America, and help was sought at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. A team of doctors there was willing to donate their time to perform the surgery, but the hospitalization costs were still far beyond what the special court could afford.
This is where the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation stepped in. Ms. Kerin Howard, Manager of the International Office at Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggested that the court psychologist contact us. When we heard about this shocking case, we immediately accepted to undertake whatever hospital costs it involved.
From this point on medical visas were arranged, travel plans were made and the long trip to Boston began for “M” and an interpreter who would be with her during her surgical ordeal.
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