Sexual abuse: Family seeks justice for 11-year-old victim
By Synthia Lateu
A family in Douala, economic capital, is reeling from the horror of discovering that their 11-year-old daughter has been repeatedly tortured, raped, and sodomized by the mother’s husband for over two years.
The victim’s mother, Fanny Madelaine Syke Elembe, who has also suffered from domestic violence during her five-year relationship, confronted her husband after her daughter’s allegations. He vehemently denied the accusations and threatened to harm her.
The alleged abuser was first caught in the act by the victim’s brother, who was then threatened into silence, along with other family members who dared to face him.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Syke Elembe expressed her anguish: “I need help. He has hurt me a lot already. There was a time he followed me with a machete, and I endured it. But this time around, he has gone too far, and I can’t take it any longer. He destroyed my future,” she said on local media, Canal 2.
The girl’s biological father, informed of the situation, demanded a medical examination, which revealed multiple instances of abuse, both anally and vaginally, potentially affecting her future chances of conception.
The teenager’s uncle, Collins Nyamsi, who is actively advocating for legal action, stated on Monday that the man must be held accountable for his crime. The alleged abuser was apprehended by judicial police a week ago, and a formal case has now been opened to ensure justice is served.
This disturbing case highlights a troubling trend of child rape within families in Cameroon. Child protection advocates emphasize the prevalence of abuse within the family circle, with nearly 90% of reported cases involving children originating from familiar environments. The lack of awareness and social pressure often leads to a “law of silence” around such cases.
To combat this epidemic, gender advocates urge families to implement new domestic rules, prioritise education and communication, and have open conversations with children to identify and prevent early signs of abuse.
With nearly a million people in need of protection from gender-based violence in Cameroon, raising awareness and breaking the silence are crucial steps towards safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
