UN News spoke to Commissioner Aina Randriambelo, who described what efforts her country is making to promote gender equality and a better understanding of what constitutes sexual exploitation and abuse.
UN News/Daniel Dickinson
Commissioner Aina Randriambelo, Madagascar’s Chief Inspector of Police.
“I was really surprised when I heard that a 12-year-girl who had attended one of our school-based sensitisation sessions had revealed to a police officer that she had been allegedly raped over a period of two years by her 40-year-old stepfather.
She was courageous enough to explain that she had been a victim of this abuse, given the stigmatisation that entails in our society. In some cases, families do reject children who make these types of allegations.
She is a minor, so we had to tell her mother, who said she knew nothing of this abuse, that she had the legal obligation to make this accusation, which she did. We explained her legal position, but also the fact that as a mother, she was the first line of protection for her daughter.
I have been working on gender-based violence issues for over 20 years, and while it is important for me to retain my professionalism, these events do affect you. But, but I am also pleased that we were able to make a difference by acting very quickly to stop this abuse.
Arrested and awaiting trial
The police reported this on social media as a warning to others and to alert other victims who are in the same type of situation of abuse. The man is now in prison awaiting trail, and if he is found guilty, he faces a sentence of up to 12 years.
The national police set up a protection of minors department 20 years ago and in 2017 established protocols for dealing with gender-based violence. These protocols include access to medical care.
We also have instituted nine local women-only brigades of police officers to support victims of abuse. Moreover, there are new laws in our penal code which enable the quick prosecution of cases involving abuse.
As a society, we still have work to do to ensure people recognise the rights of individuals, especially in domestic situations. Some women do not even understand the concept of consent. Men often don’t understand the difference between showing parental authority within their family and being violent, and there is a sense that what goes on at home is a private matter. So, violence is often accepted as a normal part of family life. People are often unwilling to denounce it, so it will take time to change the mentality of people.
UN News/Daniel Dickinson
The police in Madagascar have publicised the arrest of an alleged abuser.
Human rights training sessions
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has supported training sessions on human rights issues. This is important as it is only when people understand their rights that they are able to realise that their rights have been abused. So, a victim may not know she is a victim and so will not come forward to report a possible abuse.
We are also ensuring that women and children recognise the importance of a medical examination after sexual violence has been perpetrated. This is a key piece of evidence in any case brought to trial.
UNICEF has helped us to establish a centre for the care of child victims of sexual violence, which includes the package of integrated care services they need: psychosocial support and accompaniment by social workers deployed by the population department and medical care by hospital doctors.
There are police officers on hand to take complaints because if victims go back home, it is possible that they will retract their statements especially if they are threatened with reprisals.
UNICEF has also supported the training of social workers.
I’m told the young girl is doing well, but I do ask myself how she may be affected in the long term. Will she be able to have sexual relations, will she be stigmatised and what type of counselling will she receive to deal with her trauma?
From a police perspective, I look forward to justice being served.”
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
I was truly moved by the bravery of this young girl. It’s incredibly inspiring to see her speak out and seek justice despite the challenges she faced. It’s important for society to support and protect victims of abuse, especially children. I commend the efforts of Commissioner Aina Randriambelo and the authorities in taking swift action to address this serious issue.
I think it’s commendable that the 12-year-old girl had the courage to speak up about the abuse she endured. It’s crucial for society to support and protect victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, especially when they are minors. Commissioner Aina Randriambelo’s swift action is a testament to the importance of addressing gender-based violence effectively.
How can we ensure more support for victims of abuse in Madagascar? What additional measures could be taken to prevent such incidents in the future?
To provide more support for abuse victims in Madagascar, it is crucial to strengthen community awareness through education programs, offer psychological counseling services, and establish safe shelters for those in need. Prevention can be enhanced by implementing stricter laws, improving law enforcement training, and promoting a culture of reporting abuse without fear of stigma or retaliation. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities is essential to create comprehensive solutions to combat abuse effectively.
As a mother, I cannot imagine the pain and bravery it took for this 12-year-old girl to come forward with such a traumatic experience. It takes a lot of courage to speak out against such abuse, especially in a society where victims are often stigmatized and blamed. It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness and support survivors to break the cycle of silence and shame. Kudos to Commissioner Aina Randriambelo and her team for their swift action and dedication to protecting vulnerable individuals.
“I was truly moved by the courage of this 12-year-old girl. It’s heart-wrenching to hear her story, but I admire her strength in speaking up. It’s crucial that we continue to support victims of abuse and work towards a society free from such atrocities.”
It’s both heart-wrenching and inspiring to hear about the courage of this young girl in speaking up against her abuser. It’s crucial to provide the necessary support and protection to victims of sexual abuse, especially minors. I applaud Commissioner Aina Randriambelo and her team for their swift action in addressing this horrific situation.
It’s heartbreaking to hear such stories, but it’s inspiring to see the bravery of this young girl in standing up against her abuser. It’s crucial for societies to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. I commend Commissioner Aina Randriambelo and her team for their swift action in addressing this case of abuse.
Was the 12-year-old girl provided with any counseling or support services after disclosing the abuse?
Yes, the 12-year-old girl was immediately provided with counseling and support services after bravely disclosing the abuse. It’s crucial to ensure that young survivors have the necessary help and care to recover from such traumatic experiences.
How can society better support survivors like this young girl who speak up about their abuse? What additional steps can be taken to prevent such cases from happening in the future?
Supporting survivors like this young girl requires a collective effort from society. We must provide trauma-informed care, legal protection, and access to mental health services. To prevent future cases, education on consent, early intervention programs, and stricter enforcement of laws against perpetrators are essential steps that need to be taken.
Is there any update on the arrested stepfather’s trial in Madagascar?
Yes, the arrested stepfather is currently awaiting trial in Madagascar. The police took swift action after the courageous 12-year-old girl revealed the abuse. It’s crucial to continue spreading awareness about such cases to protect vulnerable individuals.