Aid for S, age 9, her mother and three siblings

S came into our care when she was almost 5 years old, after a brutal assault by Taliban. She, her mother and siblings are all still in our care and she is now a thriving 8 year old girl however, she needs on-going care as a result of the assault. 

S was abducted and sexually assaulted in October 2022 while visiting relatives in Charikar, the provincial capital. S went outside to play with other children. A child who witnessed the incident returned home and reported that an armed Taliban member had taken S away. Her family searched for her throughout the evening. At approximately 9:00 PM, they found her near a large tree, wearing blood-stained clothing and in a critical condition.

She was immediately taken to a clinic, where she received medical treatment and was kept overnight. According to her family, medical staff observed signs consistent with repeated sexual assault. Because of her young age and condition, S was unable to explain what had happened to her.

The family reported the incident to a Taliban checkpoint and informed a Taliban commander, but no effective assistance or investigation was provided. They were reportedly told to go to Kabul. 

With assistance from OCIG, S was subsequently transferred to Kabul, where she began receiving further medical treatment and is now living safely with her family. When testing was done, she had significant vaginal damage as well as STI infections in her throat, vaginal canal and anus.