Swameeni.

Swameeni is an 11-year-old girl who lives in Daund with her mother, father, siblings, aunt, and grandmother. She currently attends school and is in the 5^th standard. Chaitanya and the Jankar program work within her neighborhood as it is a poor community that works mostly in the labor sector. Sopan Patil is the District Manager of the Daund office and has been working with the family on their case. Jankar Ganga Buke and I went visit the home and talk with the family about Swameeni’s experience.

One afternoon, Swameeni came home from school and for a moment she was there alone. The adults of the household were either at work or had stepped out to go to market. A 38-year-old man, and next door neighbor, came over to her house and immediately attempted to rape her. Swameeni was able to escape the man when she heard a group of her friends calling her to come out and play. She quickly ran to her friends, and when she saw her mother coming home she went to her crying and telling her what had happened. The family went straight to the police, but they would not take an official statement or give any concern for this matter.

Swameeni (center, purple dress) and her family.

Swameeni’s mother decided to go to the counseling center for help and support. The counselors formed a group of 42 Self-Help Group members and went to the police to demand a fair case report. The medical statement from the police reports that the girl was sexually assaulted on her breast, buttocks, and genital area. There was no bodily injury, bruises, scarring, marks, or penetration. However, there was a small patch of redness on her stomach that was not clear of how it occurred. At the time of the report Swameeni was identified to be a conscious, cooperative, well-nourished, and well-oriented child. The police arrested the neighbor and subsequently beat him for his offense. After which, he was spent two days in jail for attempted rape of a young girl.

The family seems to be strong and stable despite the unfortunate event and emotional damage it may have left. The mother is very grateful for the support that has been given from Chaitanya and relieved that the situation was handled. When the mother was asked if she was afraid for her children’s safety or thought that the same man would try to rape Swameeni again, she answered “No”. Her reason for this is because there was so much attention and pressure from the community, and he was punished by the police. However, she also answered that she does not allow or leave the children at home without an adult family member.

The perpetrator continues to live next door with his wife and two sons. They own a shop that sits in front of their home.