By G. Watson Richards
A 28-year-old woman and her teenage daughter have fled Liberia following alleged domestic violence, attempted sexual assault, and mounting stigmatization within their community, raising renewed concerns about the protection of vulnerable victims.
Makuyah Kamara, the mother, and her 16-year-old daughter, Mameyan Sidibe (name partially withheld to protect her identity), reportedly left the country after facing persistent threats, harassment, and social backlash in the New Georgia Estate Community.
According to Kamara, her ordeal began long before their departure.
On June 20, 2023, she reported her partner, Ahmad Trawalay, to the Women and Children Protection Section of the Liberia National Police at the New Georgia Estate substation.
The complaint included allegations of repeated threats, harassment, and menacing behavior.
Kamara alleged that her partner had a pattern of violence, both in private and in public, often in the presence of their children.
“He was always threatening my life whenever we had disagreements. The abuse left marks on my body and emotional scars that I still carry,” she recounted.
The situation escalated on September 30, 2023, when Kamara reported an alleged attempted sexual assault involving her teenage daughter. The case was again taken to the Women and Children Protection Section.
Following the report, the minor was referred to James N. Davis Memorial Hospital for medical examination.
According to medical findings reviewed, there were indications consistent with an attempted assault, though it was reportedly not completed.
Kamara stated that her daughter had previously confided that the accused had made repeated attempts to force himself on her, including entering her room at night.
When contacted regarding the suspect’s whereabouts, Kamara said he fled the community shortly after the case was reported and has remained at large.
Since speaking out, Kamara said she and her daughter faced intense criticism, not only from members of the community but also from individuals within their extended family.
“Since I reported the case, my daughter and I have been blamed and criticized. We were no longer safe,” she asserted.
According to Human rights advocates, stigma and victim-blaming often discourage survivors of gender-based violence from seeking justice, while also placing them at further risk.
Under increasing pressure and fearing for their safety, Kamara said she made the difficult decision to leave Liberia with her children.
Their case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing gender-based violence in the country, including access to justice, survivor protection, and community support systems.
SGBV advocates have consistently called on the government of Liberia for stronger institutional responses, including timely investigations, protection for victims, and increased public awareness to combat stigmatization.
“This is not just a legal issue-it is a human rights concern. Survivors must be protected, not punished,” a local gender rights activist noted.
As investigations into the allegations remain unresolved, the whereabouts of the accused are still unknown.
