Pregnant and trapped: Guatemala’s child sex abuse crisis | Unreported World

The first paragraph discusses the escalating crisis of sexual violence against indigenous girls in Guatemala, where children as young as nine are impregnated after being raped. The situation is exacerbated by the illegality of abortion and the lack of support from authorities. Carmelina Shoko, a local activist since her teenage years, works to support these girls from her base in Kaban, Alta Vera Paz. She is the only case worker in a region with a high rate of child pregnancies and faces the daunting task of aiding girls who are particularly vulnerable due to isolation and lack of communication infrastructure.

This paragraph focuses on the experiences of Maria Cristina, an 18-year-old girl who became pregnant after being raped and turned to Carmelina for help. Despite the victim's parents blaming her for the pregnancy, Carmelina is teaching her that she has a choice. The narrative also touches upon the broader issue of child pregnancies through rape, with an alarming statistic that 13 girls aged 10 to 14 became pregnant through rape daily in 2020. The story of Selma, a 14-year-old who is also pregnant through rape, is highlighted, illustrating the devastating impact on the victims and their families.

The third paragraph describes the efforts of the indigenous female collective Nelly Back in the tropical area of Chisek, where child marriage and pregnancies are common. The collective empowers girls by teaching them to grow crops they can sell and learn about their rights. Elma, a member for five years, mentors younger girls and educates them on recognizing exploitation. The lack of sex education in Guatemalan schools makes community projects like this essential for girls' understanding of consent and their bodies. Despite these efforts, the justice system is criticized for its ineffectiveness, with only 3% of reported sexual violence cases investigated.

The fourth paragraph introduces La Alianza, a pioneering shelter in the capital city that provides a safe space for survivors of sexual exploitation to heal. The shelter offers therapy, music and art classes, and educates girls about their rights. It also provides childcare services, enabling young mothers to continue their education. The director, Carolina, shares the challenges faced by the youngest mothers and the shelter's approach to helping them recognize their victimization and transition to survivorship. The shelter also deals with the difficult decision some girls make regarding raising a child born through rape.

The final paragraph discusses the broader efforts to change the legal system in Guatemala, including a campaign to remove the option of bail for alleged rapists of children under 14. The story of Angelina, who was raped by her neighbor at age 12 and became pregnant with twins, is used to illustrate the need for systemic change. Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope, such as the Alianza shelter, which provides a safe haven for girls to recover from their trauma. The government's commitment to addressing the issue is questioned, and the ongoing work of activists like Carmelina Shoko is highlighted.