My name is Zougba, mother of 02 children (1 girl and 1 boy). My husband had fled attacks by armed groups to take refuge in (xx) and I stayed with the children in the village. Finally, I decided to follow my husband at (XX) because the living conditions were getting more and more difficult.
On the way, I met 4 other women who were also going to (xx) and we decided to go together. On the way, after having covered 10 km, 4 men with weapons in hand who followed us without our knowing it, stopped us at a certain moment and let us know that they watched over us during the journey. Therefore, they had to be rewarded.
They raped me in my children’s presence. I felt dirty, I was angry with myself. After a fierce fight with these armed men, the police arrived and these individuals fled.
They were pursued but they were not apprehended. The police on patrol found us and accompanied us to the entrance to the town of (xx).
I went to the mobile clinic for treatment. The doctor gave me tests and gave me medicine. I also spoke with the psychologist. I also benefited from the cash assistance. This allowed me to cover my basic needs.
Currently, I am much better and I can take care of my children and my husband who finally accepted me because at first, he did not want to touch me. After several discussions with the psychologist, my husband changed his attitude with me. I now know that rape is a crime and has serious consequences for the whole family. I think if I hadn’t been assisted by UNHCR and its partners, today I would be a dead person.
1. Rape: vaginal, anal or oral penetration without consent (even superficial), using the penis or another part of the body. Also applies to inserting an object into the vagina or anus.
2. Sexual assault: any form of sexual contact without consent that does not lead to or is not based on an act of penetration. Among other examples: attempted rape, as well as unwanted kissing, fondling and touching the genitals or buttocks. FGM is an act of violence that damages the sexual organs; they should therefore be classified as sexual assault. This type of incident does not include rape (which consists of an act of penetration).
3. It is considered that in the WCA region, 1 in 3 women have been sexually assaulted, and 1 in 5 raped.