WARNING: this article and this video describe scenes of rare violence and in particular very explicit sexual violence.
Like Roukaya (name changed at her request), a significant number of women and young girls rescued by SOS MEDITERRANEE suffered sexual, physical and psychological violence during their migratory journey. On board our ambulance ship, a medical team – and in particular the midwife – offers them a safe place, attentive listening and appropriate care.
According to UN-Women1one in three women in the world are victims of sexual and/or physical violence (between 15 and 49 years old), not including sexual harassment. These figures are certainly underestimated because many prefer to keep silent about the attacks of which they are victims. A Commission for Refugee Women survey of migrants who took the Mediterranean route between North Africa and Italy reveals that 90% of women and girls were victims of rape at some point during their journey2.
“In Libya, at night, even during the day, my boss would come to the garage where I was locked up to sleep with me. Even his son came to sleep with me. When I refused, he would take his cigarette and burn me. »
Now aged 48, Roukaya* has rebuilt her life but bears the scars of the sexual violence she suffered since she left Mauritania at 13. Years after her rescue by the Aquarius in 2016, she wanted to tell her story to “warn young girls of the dangerousness of the exile journey”.
“Roukaya* has the courage to hope, to dream”
Aïssa Maïga, actress
The actress and director Aïssa Maïga agreed to lend her voice in an animated film by Timothée, a volunteer for the SOS MEDITERRANEE association. “Embodying this kind of story,” Aïssa emphasizes, “induces great humility. The testimony is sufficient in itself. How to restore the emotion? What place to occupy? I think we have to step aside and tell the story simply. To let the power of evocation resonate. »
For the Franco-Senegalese actress, member of the SOS MEDITERRANEE support committee, “Roukaya*’s testimony reflects the great courage with which she looks back on her journey. Roukaya* has the courage to tell the story, to reconnect with these deep wounds. All this reaches us at the same time as the documentary aspect of the story. We are immersed with her in her tragic epic and in her ability to dream and build a future. »
Read Roukaya’s full story*
The story of Roukaya* is unfortunately far from being an isolated incident. According to the report of Mixed Migration3“Libya represents one of the main hotspots for violations, and human rights abuses there are serious. Several women and young girls report rape in detention centers or forced prostitution. They also risk being trafficked for sexual exploitation when looking for work to finance the rest of their trip. Women are much more vulnerable than men, for example when traveling long distances on foot, and are often assaulted by smugglers, sometimes at gunpoint. “. Many women also bear the physical and psychological scars of these repeated attacks, or become pregnant following rapes suffered in Libya or before their arrival in this country.
On board the Ocean Viking: an adapted response to sexual violence
Since the rescue of Roukaya* in 2016, the Ocean Viking has succeeded the Aquarius. On board our rescue ship, our teams bear witness to this sexual and gender-based violence and are committed to providing comprehensive medical and psychosocial care.
This response begins with raising awareness of all survivors on board by members of the medical team. We explain to them that cases of sexual violence are frequent in Libya among women but also men and children, and we try to reduce the stigma, guilt and shame that many experience. They are told that medical care is available on board to treat any injuries, prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and provide psychological first aid. Women can request a pregnancy test or perinatal follow-up with the midwife. Survivors may also be referred to additional support on land upon disembarkation.
The women survivors are welcomed into a specific shelter, the “women’s shelter”, to which only they have access, with children under 12 years old. The midwife’s consultation room is adjoining. It is particularly in this secure space that many female survivors give their testimony and recount the sexual abuse endured during their migratory journey.
The medical team strives to create a safe environment allowing anyone to share their experience in complete confidentiality, without ever forcing a rape victim to disclose their experience. Many nevertheless come to us with the need to tell and make their story public. So much precious testimonials that we publish on our site to give voice to those who are often deprived of it.
Help us continue our mission of reporting on what is happening at the moment in the Mediterranean.
* The person testifying wanted to change their name to maintain anonymity.
Animation video and illustrations: Timothée/SOS MEDITERRANEE
Musique: Charlie Trimbur, Pixabay
Voice: Aïssa Maïga, actress and director (Roukaya*) and Karine Fourcy, actress (voice-over)
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