Blogging from Bolivia
Thursday, December 3, 2009
By: Michael Nyenhuis

Abuse is a Health Issue

Here is one of the great achievements of the MAP Bolivia team: they have led the successful prosecution of 99 out of 104 sexual abuse cases they have brought to court. That is a 95% success rate.

How did a health organization known more for combatting disease wind up in the courts? Because sexual abuse of children is an epidemic, in Bolivia and around the world.

Follow the logic that led us here:

As part of the MAP project in Bolivia we run a clinic. Health professionals at the clinic realized they were treating too many children and women who had suffered abuse. To help protect them, MAP opened an office at the clinic staffed by a lawyer and psychologist. That action opened the door to the silent epidemic of abuse in the community – and then the country. Five years ago MAP opened a center to specialize in the care of children and women who have suffered abuse, the prosecution of the abusers and the strengthening of the judicial system to uphold the laws that should protect those who have been abused. The center, in the city of Cochabamba, is known as ”Breeze of Hope.”

Today I saw all three parts of this work in action.

I visited the Breeze of Hope center and met the psychologists and counselors who work with the children who come to the center. I saw the play rooms where the kids learn to express themsevles in creative ways. It is a nuturimg and caring environment that is safe for the children.

Second, I talked to the lawyers who bring cases to the courts. Their success rate is astounding in a country where sexual abuse has been hidden and not taken seriously in the courts. These lawyers are a determined group. They follow cases doggedly to make sure prosecuters and judges follow the laws that are on the books.

Third, I sat in a training session for judges hosted and led by MAP staff. Eleven judges were in attendance. This was the third such training event. MAP has hosted similar workshops for prosecutors and police.

Rape and abuse are serious health issues deeply affecting the physical, social, emotional and spiritual health of women and young girls and boys. What better place for an organization focused on holistic health to be.