The ManicaPost
Dear Tete Barbara
Last year my daughter was attacked and raped by a close relative of her father at the tender age of fifteen. We reported the case and the person was charged and sentenced.
The problem is that my daughter is no longer the same! She screams at night when she should be sleeping and she is so afraid of going outside or even being without me for long periods.
I am worried that the little counselling she got has not been of any help and I wonder if she will ever become normal again. How can I help her fully recover?
Tete Barbara Responds
As a mother, your feelings of frustration and uncertainty concerning your daughter’s future are understandable.
Every parent desires the best for his/her child by trying to provide all elements that will secure a bright and successful life including security from the unwanted and destructive. Firstly you need to forgive yourself and understand that there is only so much you can do as a single person.
Take one day at a time to heal and let go of the hurt and the disruption the incident must have brought to your lives. You did well by making sure you sought the law for justice and counselling, well done. Your daughter is a survivor not a victim and you should treat her as such.
You can help her by showing her love, strength and support. Grow together each day and talk about what you are feeling and then heal together. Remember, she needs you more than you know and love will find her in time just believe. To get rid of these social ills it requires combined efforts of a responsible and well cultured society where every one of us must be able to draw the line and be in a position to harness unruly behaviour.
Just believe! Clean Up!
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