Molested at the orphanage

A 33-year-old woman is on trial following allegations that she molested a 16-year-old girl under her care. It is alleged that the woman, a warden at an Orphanage in Thyolo district, molested the girl between the months of January and April 2016.

According to a report from the Southern Region Police Headquarters, the girl reported the matter to police before she was kicked out of the orphanage on 4 April, 2016.

Human rights activists and child protection agencies in the country are following up on the case as there are fears that the case might have been dropped by the police. But the Malawi Police Service has said that the suspect will appear in court once the investigations are concluded.

Molestations - also called indecent assault, sexual abuse or sexual assault - is any kind of sexual act that happens to you without your explicit consent. It includes be someone kissing or touching you sexually. Or if someone forces you to kiss or touch them, or perform a sexual with or on them, such as oral sex.

Sexual abuse is never your fault. If you have ever been sexually assaulted, report the matter to your nearest police station or One Stop Centre. You can also get advice and support from the toll-free Tithandizane Helpline, just call 116 or 5600.