Not a Quick Fix: The Problem with Sexual Assault Recovery in Uganda

Although today we hear these stories often, that does not make them any less devastating.

Stories of women being being taken advantage of. Stories of women ignoring their pain, convinced that their words would not be believed if put up against a man’s. Now, what if these same stories lay amidst myths that say having sex with young girls is “good fortune.” Imagine sexual assault cases where children are taken to a remote island so that their screams of terror can only be heard by their perpetrators. Imagine young girls, so scared of returning to their families after being raped that they decide having no home is a better alternative.

These haunting scenarios are a reality for many of the over-9,500 Ugandan children who are sexually abused or trafficked annually. Less than 400 of these cases are actually reported. Cases of sexual abuse are normalized in this region of sub-saharan Africa, often perpetuated by the close friends and family members of young girls. These familial relationships complicate disclosure, and most children keep their stories of abuse secret for years after the incidents occur.

In a region where it seems that these extreme challenges and disparities surrounding child sexual abuse are around every corner, immediate solutions almost come naturally. These solutions, however, often stem from a desire to see instant change. She sustained severe bruises and is sick? Take her to see a medical professional. She can identify the person who abused her? Take her to talk to the police. While certain issues like these should be addressed sooner rather than later, constantly looking for these “quick” fixes leads people in the region to ignore longer-term problems that may eventually destroy the victim’s mind, body, and future.

Consequences of sexual abuse in Uganda such as psychological trauma, disclosure to family and friends, and returning to school and the workforce are prolonged and complicated. Since many of these sexual assault cases involve family members abusing other family members, victims do not disclose because they will see their perpetrator again. If their story is not believed, re-victimization by the same family member who “got away with it” the first time is likely. Furthermore, other “shameful” consequences of sexual abuse, including premarital pregnancy and HIV/AIDS contraction, are not discussed, which leaves survivors alone to deal with the aftermath.

Devising solutions to these aforementioned issues requires altering Ugandan social norms—something that is neither quick nor easy. As a result, these long-term problems continue to be dismissed, and victims of sexual abuse cannot return to the lives they led before.

In an effort to address these stigmatized long-term consequences, a non-profit organization known as the People in Need Agency of Uganda launched Roof and Equip Winnie. Project Roof and Equip Winnie is a plan to construct a one-stop rehabilitation center that provides survivors of sexual abuse the resources, attention, and skills they need to recover and revitalize. This center will be established with both medical and psychological resources, as well as opportunities to gain basic life skills training, such as tailoring, farming, and computer education, so that these young girls can provide for themselves. Most importantly, the center will provide a safe space for these girls to stay while addressing the long-term consequences of sexual abuse that are otherwise overlooked.

Building this comprehensive center is no small task, and will not happen right away. However, the beauty of long-term solutions is that you can still devise shorter-term solutions in the meantime. PINA Uganda continues to advocate for those who cannot through regular conferences, workshops and media outlets. As they consistently and insistently bring out the issues that underlay various injustices in the region, advocates at PINA bring their country one step closer to breaking the norms that have scarred victims for too long.

Sexual abuse in Uganda is not unique in its battle to strike a balance between long and short-term solutions. Yes, it is important to solve issues with “simple” fixes right away. However, we cannot chose to ignore the issues that are complicated and may be uncomfortable to address. Instead, we should promote programs like Roof and Equip Winnie that focus on empowering individuals, not just temporarily “fixing” them. With this newfound mentality, we will be able to educate others to seek long-term justice and subsequently change the landscape of our generation.

If you are interesting in learning more about Roof and Equip Winnie or People in Need Agency Uganda, please visit https://pina-ug. org/roof-equip-winnie/.

by Anjali Vaishnav