The week is just starting, yet I already have a headache from handling a case that I never knew I would be involved in. I woke up this morning feeling really exhausted just from receiving calls while hiding, trying to protect myself, and a little girl of 6 years whose father is currently frustrating all efforts to get her justice.
I live in a compound where there are lots of kids around, and honestly, I enjoy their noises, plays, and innocent conversations. It feels so homely hearing the voices of kids screaming, playing, crying and building memories that would last with them for a long time.
When I see those kids, I feel so good that they do not care about what’s been happening in their homes for the time they spend at my doorstep playing around. However, one thing I didn’t know is that one of them, a very smart and outspoken girl is being threatened by her uncle who lives with them.
I had a headache the day I heard, and up until yesterday, the headache is just starting to ease up.
Talking to the girl’s father, he said, “his brother is the best brother in the world, and he has been the one taking care of the girl and her other sibling, so he trusts him with his whole life.” Then, I wonder if some people really understand what being a father means.
This is the same man I had talked about the last time abusing his wife, and even though I tried to stay out of their issues, this is a little girl I love so much because she is very intelligent. I suddenly realized her disappearance, and I didn’t know why up until few days ago. She has crawled into a shell and was not ready to be a part of any team or do anything with the other girls outside my house again.
Her uncle would rather make sure she’s inside with him alone making her go through despicable moments. Damn!
I feel so angry typing this because I really wish that I could lay a hand on that guy, but guess who is protecting the uncle? Yes, the girl’s father. According to him, the girl is telling lies, and that her mother influenced her to say those things, for a girl that cannot even walk properly any longer because of the injuries inflicted on her by the said uncle!!!
I had a conversation with the girl, and in her voice was a mix of fear and courage. It took her a while before she could open up because her uncle had threatened her not to tell anyone. Her mother’s family wants the girl to remain with the father, and the father is insisting that his wife will not take the girl away either. And, the father-in-law, a policeman who is supposed to arrest this uncle and the girl’s father and put them behind bars is trying to make sure the issue never gets to the authorities that could handle it.
Even though I didn't want to be involved in their family issues before, I cannot overlook this girl's call for help. I just pray and hope that all efforts for justice will be successful. I really hope so.
Sometimes, I often wonder why women of all ages are prone to one danger or another not even with family members are we sure of safety. Sad.
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