Anisa (Part 2)

Photo credits: Alyssa Monks

Anisa knew exactly what needed to be done. She'd been crying her heart out, feeling broken and violated. She knew what reporting the matter would amount, and she also knew that what happened to her was wrong. She picked herself up from the floor, dried her eyes and put on her shoes. She still could smell the stench of whisky in her breath, and for a moment wondered if the police would believe her but she wanted justice for herself. She drank a glass of water, gargling first before swallowing, and headed out of the house. 

Related Post: Anisa (Part 1)

On arrival at the police station, she walked to the reporting desk where two policemen sat. She got confused as it dawned on her that she wasn't comfortable talking to them. She asked to talk to a policewoman and explained that the crime she needed to report was sensitive to her. They, surprisingly, understood and told her to wait. She sat on a bench as she watched different people go about their business in the police station. New inmates kept streaming in with all manner of drama and this helped take her mind off her present predicament. 

The policewoman by the name Madam Edith came and escorted Anisa to an office which was labelled “Gender Based Violence” in red.  Those inscriptions made Anisa's bile choke her and she coughed to clear her throat. After ensuring that Anisa was comfortable, Madam Edith proceeded to ask her to make her report. She started from the night's beautiful moments and the celebratory mood that she and her friends were in. Bolo’s promotion was what they'd been celebrating. The strange guy who’d joined them. She was particular to note that some of the details were vague in her memory as she was, at that moment, inebriated herself. Madam Edith nodded as she listened attentively, Anisa could see her sympathetic eyes each time she urged her to continue telling her story and she felt safe doing so in the presence of this police woman.

        “What I remember is me waking up next to him, I was naked and there were two used condoms on the floor. Mind you, I was menstruating. He violated me when I was having my menses!” she gasped as tears welled her eyes. She fought them back and then added, “He stripped me of my dignity.” Anisa sobbed painfully as she relived the violence. Madam Edith offered her a crisp white handkerchief and told her in the kindest of ways to take her time. When she had calmed down, Madam Edith urged her on.

“When I confronted him about it, he struggled me and admitted to have assaulted me the previous night. He bragged about saving me from my friends who'd abandoned me. This man believed to have a right to my body and space. I was unfathomably maddened by this and I want him to pay for it.” Anisa paused as tears choked her once again.

“Now, do you know this man?” Madam Edith probed. “I don't know him, but I managed to ask his name. He is Kwame, Bolo’s high school friend. I also got a good hard look at his smug face and I can identify him very well.” Anisa answered with a dash of enthusiasm. She felt Madam Edith understood her in a motherly way. Speaking of mothers, how was she going to tell her mother that she'd been sexually assaulted?

Madam Edith recorded the incident and Anisa received an OB number, she then filled her part on the P3 form (for assault) and explained that she'd escort her to the Medical officer to check the extent of her injuries. This was for purposes of adducing evidence to be used against the accused in court. Anisa sighed, as she stood up to accompany Madam Edith to the Medical Officer who was stationed within the police station.

The receptionist signalled the two to sit and wait as there were other patients waiting in line. Mostly women and children, but there were a few men. Anisa looked at them and she felt no longer alone. These were fellow survivors who were seeking justice and were ready to tell their stories. She became more determined. When her turn came, she walked into the room and met a middle aged man. He introduced himself as Doctor Hussein and was going to conduct a medical examination to ascertain the extent of her injuries. Anisa’s stomach churned and she shifted in her seat nervously. Her eyebrows scrunched together, eyes narrowed as she felt tears burning her eyes. She hoisted her upper lip towards her nostrils in an attempt to block the disturbing whiff of whatever antiseptic used in hospitals.

Doctor Hussein must've noticed Anisa's woes and he smiled empathetically at her, assuring her that it would be okay in the long run. “You are a strong lady Miss Anisa, stronger than you give yourself credit for.”  He put on his gloves and explained to Anisa what he was about to do, he took her through each step. Uncomfortable as it was, he was sensitive to her through it all. Anisa understood every examination taken and by the time he was through, she felt that justice was within her reach. He gave Anisa some meds for the pain and wished her well in her quest for justice and recommended a Doctor who’d help Anisa through the trauma. “Remember that you are a survivor Anisa, battle it out and hang in there, it shall be well,” Doctor Hussein reiterated as he handed her the finding of the Medical exam.

Anisa felt supported. It was going better than she'd anticipated. So far, nobody had asked her insensitive questions and, instead, they all were supportive and gave her hope. Madam Edith was waiting for her outside and she received the P3 form and thereafter, instructed Anisa to go home and rest as she embarked on hunting down Bolo. “Go be with family Anisa, you'd be amazed how family makes it a little bit better. Am sorry this happened to you, I will be in touch.” Madam Edith said as she patted Anisa's back reassuringly.

Anisa walked out of the Police station with tears in her eyes, her heart bled as she thought of her mother. She wondered if Mama would be supportive of her or she was going to castigate her for being irresponsible. One thing was sure, she was going to make Bolo pay.

Anisa (Part 2).

By Janet Kilel
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