Ishama’s Story in her own words
Protecting all children from sexual abuse
“When I was 12, my mum was forced to go abroad to earn money and left me with my Auntie in Pokhara. I had to work in her hotel. The work was very hard and I missed my mum.
One evening a man did bad things to me. He hurt me and I was scared and ashamed. I didn’t want it to happen again so I told my Auntie. She told me not worry. But it happened again, and again. I kept telling my Auntie but he didn’t stop. I didn’t know what to do. I was frightened but had nowhere to go. I thought it would never end.
One day a woman [Kidasha outreach worker] and the police came and took me away. I didn’t know where I was going but they took me to a shelter with other girls my age. Everyone was kind to me but I was scared and didn’t want to talk to anyone. They let me play, draw and dance, and eventually, I felt comfortable enough to talk to a Kidasha counsellor. She helped me feel safe and talking about what happened made me feel better.
Being able to talk with the other girls I don’t feel so alone. I’ve started taking classes in the shelter and am excited to go back to school soon and be a normal girl.”
Kidasha’s team worked with the police to ensure that both the man who sexually abused Ishama and her aunt are now in custody awaiting trial.
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