A Horrific Ordeal
At just 25 years old, Josephine has endured unimaginable trauma. In a horrific incident, she was robbed and then brutally raped by a masked assailant who turned out to be her own housemate.
Finding Refuge and Healing
Though the police were the first point of contact, the Rainbo Centre provided Josephine with the compassionate, comprehensive care she needed to begin her healing journey.
Josephine with Rebecca Bangura, Psychosocial Counsellor at the Bo Rainbo Centre. Photo by Abdulai Kamara/RI
“When I walked through the doors of the Rainbo Centre, I was broken, lost in the shadows of what had been done to me,” Josephine recalls. “But the team welcomed me with open arms, treating me with the dignity and respect I had been denied.”
The Rainbo Centre’s psychosocial counsellors and midwives worked tirelessly to address Josephine’s immediate medical and psychological needs. Sadly, the community members who had learned of the assault were unable to chase down the perpetrator, who remains at large.
Reclaiming Her Life
“My parents were devastated by what happened, but they never wavered in their support,” Josephine shares. “With their love and the Rainbo Centre’s guidance, I found the strength to pick up the pieces of my life.”
Though the road to recovery was long and arduous, Josephine refused to let the assault define her. She made the brave decision to relocate to a new community, leaving behind the stigma and pain.
“It took time, but I slowly regained my sense of comfort and security,” she says. “I was determined not to let this tragedy destroy my dreams.”
Pouring her energy into her education, Josephine is now a second-year student at the Njala University, pursuing a degree in Public Health. But her journey of healing has taken an even more meaningful turn – she has become an Outreach Intern at the Rainbo Initiative, using her experiences to raise awareness and empower other survivors.
Josephine before her University signpost. Photo by Abdulai Kamara/RI
Empowering Others
“I want to be a voice for those who have suffered like I have,” Josephine affirms. “The Rainbo Centre gave me the tools to reclaim my life, and now I’m committed to ensuring others receive the same compassionate care and support.”
Josephine’s story underscores the transformative power of Rainbo Initiative’s work. With access to comprehensive services and a community of support, survivors like Josephine are not only healing but becoming agents of change, lighting the way for others to break free from the shadows of assault.
As an active member of the Rainbo Initiative Survivor Solidarity Group, Josephine’s journey, marked by resilience and empowerment, inspires all those who have faced similar challenges. She is using her voice to advocate for the betterment of survivors and raise awareness on issues of sexual and gender-based violence.
Josephine leading an outreach session.
Josephine’s message is clear:
“Every survivor deserves the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. This is what the Rainbo Initiative has given me, and I’m honoured to pay it forward.”
This is emotional and empowering at the same time.
Thanks to Rainbo for all you do and keep doing.