How much does it take to heal the scars of sexual violence?

*Hiwot, the eldest of three siblings, was raised in a low-income household in rural North Wollo, Ethiopia. Her family's financial difficulties prevented her from continuing her studies. She grew up in several relatives' homes.

She grew up to be 30 years old and a mother of two. Hiwot met her former spouse, the father of her children, and lived happily until a horrible conflict broke out in northern Ethiopia. " When the war began, my husband, a government soldier, abandoned us. He called us intermittently, conversing with the kids, but the communication breakdown occurred unexpectedly. I attempted to contact him but was unsuccessful. I didn't know if he was alive or dead," Hiwot recounted.

''The war expanded, and the army took control of my neighbourhood. One day, while returning home, I was confronted by a bunch of men who threatened to do sexual acts without my consent. Despite my pleadings, they conducted a non-consensual act on me. Passers-by escorted me home after I fell unconscious. Due to financial difficulties, I was unable to receive medical treatment and became bedridden for two years. The stigma associated with gender-based violence exacerbated the physical and psychological consequences. "The most challenging part of the violence was the gossip," Hiwot explained. "People point at me, claiming a group of men sexually assaulted me." To my astonishment, they blamed me for the unwelcome sexual attack rather than the culprits, which enrages me even more. She described her ongoing health problems, which she had been suffering from since the incident.

Conflict-related violence often worsens existing gender inequalities, disproportionately impacting women and girls. They face heightened risks of sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation, exacerbated by displacement and economic marginalisation. Access to justice is often limited due to systemic barriers, and women are frequently excluded from decision-making processes.

World Vision’s Lifesaving Gender Responsive WASH Protection and Nutrition for Conflict-affected Population project, which was launched in 2023 in Gubalafto District, raised Hiwot's case, addressing the social injustice of the mother's emotional and physical traumas. World Vision employees took the case to the district's Women, Children, and Social Affairs Office expert.   

The project included case management, psychosocial support, facilitated transportation services, referrals, and a follow-up treatment plan. These interventions greatly improved Hiwot's mental and physical well-being. "The most challenging difficulty I encountered was a lack of funds to cover medical expenditures. World Vision's miraculous assistance is astounding. I received news of support while on my sickbed, and I have since received free medical care. Who could be of much help except the excellent organization?" Hiwot inquired, her face full of admiration.

World Vision, which is concerned about vulnerable community members, provides skill-upgrading training for Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Specialists. " The experts offered me psychosocial support and care continuously, which helped me regain my confidence and live a healthy life," she added.

Hiwot's health has substantially improved, and she is optimistic about her future and that of her children. Nonetheless, she requires financial assistance to meet her children's requirements. She hopes that generous hearts will reciprocate the life-saving assistance that World Vision has provided for her.

*The Name has been changed to protect the identity.

By Tigist Taye, Communication Coordinator, World Vision Ethiopia