Healing from sexual abuse: Suluhu’s story
17-year-old Suluhu* in Kenya loves playing with her younger siblings; their infectious laughter filling their home with joy.
When I grow up," Suluhu declares, "I want to be a lawyer. I want to represent young girls who face the same abuses I did.
Suluhu’s passion and determination for justice stem from her own painful past. When she was just 13, Suluhu endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of one of her own relatives.
Under the pretence of needing help to care for his children, this relative sexually abused Suluhu while she stayed at his house:
"He grabbed me; I could see the knife in his hand. He told me if I told anyone what had happened, he would kill me," recalls Suluhu.
Suluhu was terrified, traumatised and didn’t know what to do. She confided in another family member, who advised her to keep quiet.
A few months later, Suluhu started getting morning sickness.
"I felt bad in my body, and I would throw up," she recalls. Suluhu didn’t yet know what her symptoms meant – but the man did.
He took her to a stranger's house, where a woman performed a medical procedure without proper training or equipment. That night, Suluhu says she was in so much pain that she cried. She didn’t know what was happening.
After months of abuse, Suluhu found the courage to go to the police, who arrested the perpetrator. Suluhu didn’t receive any professional support – until the Department of Children’s Services referred her case to IJM.
IJM took immediate action, providing Suluhu with vital emotional support to heal and pursue justice.
Although facing the man was difficult, Suluhu knew that testifying in court was crucial if she was to get justice. In August 2023, supported by a pro-bono lawyer that IJM had connected her with, Suluhu bravely took the stand and testified.
Despite the ongoing and costly legal process, Suluhu finds comfort knowing that the perpetrator is facing trial. She understands the significance of fighting for justice, not only for herself but for all survivors of abuse. She and IJM are determined that justice will prevail.
Until then, IJM counsellors will continue to care for Suluhu as she heals from the significant emotional pain of her past.
Suluhu loves to read and write, and she’s excited that IJM has found a boarding school where she will be able to continue her education.
*Pseudonym