One Girl's Haven

Many residents in the Villa Nueva neighborhood in Tegucigalpa know the Gideon Center as a legal and psychological counseling center located inside the neighborhood association building, but Sharon* simply knows it as her haven.

Sharon (center), now living with her grandmother and brother, faces more hard times ahead. But Gideon Center staff will be by her side to help her in all that they can.

Sharon has experienced much tragedy in the span of her young life. Shortly after her mother was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, Sharon 's father committed suicide. Later, her step-father was reported for an alleged rape attempt on her. Even though no more charges were pressed, Sharon 's teacher suspected further abuse. “Although unconfirmed, neighbors report having heard him say his actions are a form of revenge for being infected with AIDS by her mother,” explains Gideon Center lawyer, Silvia Corea. Sharon 's mother abused her too—but she had nowhere else to live.

A few months ago, after her mother severely beat her, Sharon left home and took refuge at the Gideon Center . Silvia quickly made arrangements for her to stay with her paternal grandmother, where her brother was staying as well. Clothes were bought for her with the help of a Survivor's Fund supported by contributions from AJS-supported justice workers.

Silvia helped Sharon begin proceedings against her step-father, first by accompanying her to the Attorney General's Office, where prosecutors took her statement. The next crucial step in building a case against Sharon 's abuser was getting a report by a forensic medical examiner. Since the Honduran government has only seven trained forensic medical examiners to serve the entire Honduran population of 6.4 million, getting an appointment with one can be a challenge. But thanks to the persistent efforts of the Gideon staff, a government medical examiner confirmed signs of abuse and tested Sharon for HIV.

If, as expected, the test comes out positive, getting treatment will be difficult. F unding for antiretroviral medicine remains limited in Honduras ' public health system. But no matter what the situation, the Gideon staff will be there to do all they can for Sharon . “ We know this is a difficult case that entangles us in the structural problems of Honduras ' healthcare system, but our call is to serve and to speak up for those who can't do it for themselves ,” says Silvia.

Sharon remains with her grandmother, but is scared that she will feel shame when her case is brought to trial and members of her community are called to publically testify . She worries about the ability of the Honduran government to help her if she indeed proves to be HIV-positive. But she knows that through it all Silvia and the Gideon team will be there to seek justice and mercy for her. Please pray for Sharon's physical and mental healing and for the AJS-supported Gideon Project that is working to bring hope into her life.

*Name changed and photo blurred to protect individual's safety and privacy.

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