National
2 rape victims disowned by families
Two teenage rape victims, aged 15 and 19, from Suspakshyemawati VDC in Dolakha, have been disowned by their families after learning about their pregnancy. They are presently living at a women’s shelter in Charikot, the district headquarters.Two teenage rape victims, aged 15 and 19, from Suspakshyemawati VDC in Dolakha, have been disowned by their families after learning about their pregnancy. They are presently living at a women’s shelter in Charikot, the district headquarters.
Srijana Karki, who works for an organisation, Aawaj Nepal, said the teenagers have been devastated by the treatment of their families. She said the two victims belong to Thami community that has a tradition of banishing daughters during pregnancy. One of the community members, Bir Bahadur Thami, said as their tradition does not allow pregnant daughters to visit their parents’ home, the two teenagers were not allowed to remain in the village.
They should undergo a special purification ritual if they want to continue living in the village, he added. (PR)