Leah’s Story

Leah does not know where either of her parents are or whether they are even alive. When she was just a baby, they dropped her off with her maternal grandfather and have not been seen or heard from since. When she was 8 years old, her grandfather began raping her and when she went to her grandmother for help, she was accused of lying. It went on like this for several years until her uncle began abusing her as well. Leah was never allowed to attend school and was kept at home to do house chores for the grandfather and uncle. The only time she was allowed outside was when she went to fetch water from the community well. It was on this long daily journey that she made a friend. The family did not buy her any new clothes or other necessities and she relied on her friend’s mother to give her clothing passed down to her (she wasn’t allowed to play with her friend but when she went to fetch water, this is when the friend and her mother would give her new clothing or other items). Eventually, it was this same friend whose mother advised her to report her abuse to the police. This caring woman helped her with transportation to the police station so she could make her report. After making the police report, Leah stayed at the police station for 3 weeks while investigations were underway. Eventually both the uncle and the grandfather were arrested and Leah was brought to the PFP family where she could finally find safety and stability. Our counselor has started working with Leah and she now feels safe secure and is able to focus on healing.