Last night I stood in the howling wind on a cement block in the middle of a desolate piece of veld (with no lighting) in Lotusville.
There were about 40 of us, holding a candlelight vigil. Three people from Aberdeen Town, and the rest, residents of Lotusville. Oh yes, there were also 4 dogs!
The reason for us being there was twofold – to celebrate the start of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Abuse of Women and Children, and to unite in support for the young girl who was raped (in that very same spot), two weeks earlier. I met her – 17 years old – the height and size of a twelve year old. All I could do while she cried, was to hold her and tell her not to let “them” win, and that she is a survivor. How useless and angry I felt.
There were about 40 of us, holding a candlelight vigil. Three people from Aberdeen Town, and the rest, residents of Lotusville. Oh yes, there were also 4 dogs!
The reason for us being there was twofold – to celebrate the start of the Sixteen Days of Activism Against Abuse of Women and Children, and to unite in support for the young girl who was raped (in that very same spot), two weeks earlier. I met her – 17 years old – the height and size of a twelve year old. All I could do while she cried, was to hold her and tell her not to let “them” win, and that she is a survivor. How useless and angry I felt.
There were prayers and songs of praise and I looked at these people whose lives are dominated by poverty, alcohol, drugs and abuse, and I was humbled.
Thank you residents of Lotusville, who took the time to stand united. As I said, if there is some small way I can help, I will.
Thank you residents of Lotusville, who took the time to stand united. As I said, if there is some small way I can help, I will.
Article By: Dallis Graham
