Four years ago, as 12-year-old Rhonda* walked home from a neighbor’s house in her Kenyan village, she was accosted by a man who brutally assaulted and raped her at knifepoint. He left Rhonda lying on the ground, but she managed to pull herself to the roadside, where she was found by a classmate who brought her home.

Rhonda lived with her grandmother, who already had a difficult time providing the care she needed. That day, Rhonda did not tell her grandmother about the rape. The perpetrator had threatened her with death if she told anyone of the assault. Scared and in great pain, she remained silent.

The next week at school, she was still limping from a hip injury she sustained in her struggle with the rapist. She confided to a female teacher at school what had happened to her. Her teacher confirmed the abuse and summoned Rhonda’s grandmother to take her to the hospital. There, medical staff recommended that her hip be x-rayed to determine the extent of the injuries; however, her grandmother could not afford this expensive procedure, so the two were sent home with painkillers to relieve Rhonda’s ongoing pain.

Rhonda and her grandmother gave statements to the local police. A local official recognized the difficult battle Rhonda and her grandmother would have to fight, given the family’s limited resources. She wanted to see justice done for Rhonda and referred them to IJM.

IJM Kenya worked with local police to gather witness testimony and prepare for the trial of Rhonda’s rapist. The prosecution was successful, and the perpetrator was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

Justice was served. However, in the aftermath of her assault, Rhonda continued to struggle with serious health issues. IJM staff and members of Rhonda’s community worked to ensure that she was able to afford the hip surgery she needed. IJM staff also saw that she was placed in a suitable school and paid her fees, so that she could study in a stable environment.

Four years after her assault, IJM staff continue to work with Rhonda to ensure that she receives the counseling she needs as she works to overcome this traumatic event. Though Rhonda’s health problems persist, she has made great progress and is doing well in the structure and security her school provides. Rhonda’s dream is to become a nurse, and she is working hard to pursue this. Through counseling, a secure environment and ambitious goals for her future, Rhonda continues to overcome.