By Juliana Vandy
In a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many young girls, the story surrounding case file C/R No. 774/2022 sheds light on a catastrophic breach of trust that has shattered a family and called into question the effectiveness of protective laws in Sierra Leone. A young girl lost her childhood, dignity and sense of security at the hands of her own uncle; a violation that has left her struggling with the long-term effects of trauma, while her mother cries out for justice that remains elusive.
This heartbreaking case highlights the insidious nature of incest and its devastating impact not only on the victim but also on the entire family unit. The anguish of the mother, fighting against not only her own sorrow but also societal stigma, is palpable. As the legal system drags its feet and the perpetrator remains free, the mental toll on both mother and daughter deepens, marking them with a sense of despair and hopelessness.
The repercussions of such atrocities extend far beyond the immediate act of violence. Secondary trauma, a psychological wound inflicted on family members of abuse survivors, adds another layer of complexity to their plight. For this mother, every day is a battle against a reality where her child’s abuser walks unpunished while she fights tirelessly against an indifferent system. The contradiction is stark; the law purports to protect, yet fails to deliver justice for the most vulnerable.
This case is not merely about legal proceedings but about the broader societal structures that allow such crimes to fester. The continued existence of the violator among a community that ought to protect its young girls speaks volumes about the systemic failures in addressing such grave offences. The cries for justice echo in vain, drowned by bureaucracy and negligence.
In a society where laws exist to safeguard children, the poignant question remains: What is happening to case file C/R No. 774/2022? With almost three years passing and no closure in sight, the emotional and psychological scars on both mother and daughter grow deeper. This relentless cycle of pain is a testament to how society’s active engagement is crucial in demanding accountability from law enforcement and the judiciary.
Sierra Leone may have signed treaties and established laws aimed at protecting women and girls, but without a collective will to enforce these measures and hold perpetrators accountable, our daughters remain easy targets for those who prey on the innocent. It is a call to arms for citizens and leaders alike to foster an environment where justice is not an afterthought but a promise upheld by action.
As we listen to the cry of this anguished mother, we must reflect on our roles in the community. The dilemma she faces is not hers alone; it is a collective burden that we must share. Only by coming together to confront these atrocities can we hope to create a safer world for our girls, transforming our society from one of silence and complicity to one of strength and support. It is time to dismantle the culture of shame and actively pursue justice, ensuring that no mother has to suffer in silence again.
