We bring you a story about Hawa, who was abused when she was working as a housekeeper. Hawa called 116 asking for help in between sobs. Her call was answered by Lillian our counselor, who calmed her down enough to talk about why she was so upset.
Hawa explained that she had been brought in Dar es Salaam to work as a housekeeper. But what she thought was a normal job turned into a nightmare when her employer raped her. The morning Hawa called the helpline was the third time he had raped her and she knew that she could not take it anymore.
She needed help. And fortunately it was not the first time she had thought of calling 116 but she had been hesitant because she was unsure of getting help. Lillian asked exactly where Hawa was but Hawa had no idea. She had to ask for help around her neighborhood to find any local leader who could help her meet the ward Social Welfare Officer.
As Hawa sought information on her whereabouts, Lillian called other Social Welfare Officers for assistance. Hawa was rescued and taken to @Kiwohede, a centre that helps children who have experienced sexual abuse while working as maids. Unfortunately Hawa's case never made it to court because although the medical report showed that she had been raped, it was too late to prove who had raped her. #116Stories #SimuliziZa116 #Mfanyikazi
For comments and / or inquires please call 116 National Child Helpline. This is a toll free service available across all networks in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Facebook: Sema Tanzania; Twitter: @SemaTanzania or visit our website: www.sematanzania.org
Cover photo by Mwananchi Newspaper.
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