Summary
In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a young woman named Helene survived a gang attack and is now raising her baby, whom she chose not to abort. The city is largely controlled by gangs, leading to a rise in sexual violence, with many women and girls seeking refuge in safe houses.
Key Facts
- Helene, a 17-year-old from Port-au-Prince, was kidnapped and raped by a gang.
- She became pregnant during captivity and chose not to abort her baby.
- Helene escaped during a gang conflict and now lives in a safe house.
- Gangs control about 90% of Port-au-Prince.
- The safe house shelters over 30 young female survivors of violence.
- Sexual violence has increased in Haiti since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
- Medecins Sans Frontieres reported an increase in patients seeking help for sexual abuse.
- Gangs often use rape as a tool to control and terrorize communities.
