John, as we assess how best to take precautions against COVID-19, we hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.

We want to speak this word of comfort to you: this pandemic is real, but it is not forever. We have hope. The movement to end slavery has grown in all kinds of global circumstances because people like you are committed to sending rescue and restoration to the most vulnerable.

Girls like Naomi are still fighting. Read about Naomi’s journey to see how she survived violence and is thriving today.

John,

When Naomi woke up to find two men in her mother’s house, she didn’t know that her nightmare was just beginning.

“Wake up very slowly, don’t scream, don’t say anything. Do you see what this is?”

She didn’t know what was happening, but Naomi did know one thing: Two men had broken into their home, and they were carrying a panga (machete).

Although they were there to rob Naomi’s mother, the situation turned even more desperate as the two men raped Naomi. Before they left, they threatened to kill Naomi and her mother if they went to the police.

Word in their Kenyan village spread and community members urged them to seek help. Even with those threats of violence so fresh in their minds, Naomi and her mother courageously shared their testimony with the police.

In the wake of the attack, Naomi withdrew and grew silent. Even though her once talkative nature had been silenced, Naomi found the courage to use her voice.

Naomi was incredibly brave in sharing her story, especially since she wasn't guaranteed support or justice. Like too many victims, Naomi may not have been in a position to hire a lawyer who could confidently represent her in court. That’s why IJM is working in Kenya. We want to help the most vulnerable get the justice they deserve. When Naomi spoke up, that’s when we stepped in and took on her case.

While testifying in court, Naomi pulled on all her reserves of strength. “It was hard for me,” she said. “It was very hard. Though I was trying to make myself like, ‘I can do it. This is what they did to me, I can do it.’ ”

With IJM on her side, Naomi watched the case proceed in court. The family members of the accused would come at night, terrorizing Naomi and her mother as they tried to sleep.

You were a part of her story.

Because of you, four years after the attack, Naomi finally saw justice when her attackers were sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Without you, we could not help survivors of sexual violence like Naomi. Your generosity meant that we could take on Naomi’s case and connect her with an aftercare specialist who would help her get back to her bright, talkative self.

Today Naomi is safely living on her own. It was a long, difficult road, but we’re so thankful to have had you with us on this journey.

John, you can bring more violent criminals to justice.

Until all are free,
The IJM Team