Careysburg, Montserrado -A single mother in Kingsville Township, Careysburg Statutory District, Montserrado County is crying out for justice after her 13-year-old daughter, who lives with physical disabilities, was allegedly sexually abused by a teacher identified as David N. Sando Jr. of the Lydia B. Sando Mission School.
By Patience M. Jones
The incident reportedly occurred around 8:00 p.m. recently at the family’s residence.
According to the mother, Victoria Payne, her daughter who cannot walk or see and depends entirely on her for care, was born with multiple disabilities. “I went to visit a friend, and when I came back, I saw my daughter inside the house,” Madam Payne recounted. “When I asked her who carried her there, she said it was David. I asked her why, and she told me that he took her inside and warned her not to tell anyone or he would harm her.”
Madam Payne said her daughter later explained that the suspect undressed her and allegedly assaulted her before fleeing the house.
‘‘When I went to bathe my daughter, I saw blood in her underwear,” she said tearfully. “That’s when I realized something terrible had happened.”
The survivor was taken to the James David Memorial Hospital, where medical personnel reportedly confirmed signs of sexual abuse. According to the mother, the hospital provided medication and advised further treatment because the child has since been suffering severe pain and stomach complications.
“Since that day, my daughter has been crying in pain, especially when she tries to urinate,” Madam Payne said. “I don’t have money for proper treatment, and it breaks my heart to see her suffer.”
She said the case has been reported to the police in Careysburg. Community members escorted her to file the complaint, and police officers have assured her that they are taking steps to locate and arrest the suspect.
“Since the incident, I haven’t heard from David’s family,” she said. “They live right here in this community but haven’t said anything or shown concern.”
Madam Payne, a widow and mother of three, is appealing to the Government of Liberia, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to help her seek justice and medical support for her daughter.
“It’s not easy seeing my child go through this,” she said. “My husband is gone, and I’m the only one caring for my children. Because of my daughter’s condition, I can’t go to church or even join community activities. I can’t afford a wheelchair for her, but I keep praying for strength.”
Note: The identity of the survivor has been withheld to protect her privacy in accordance with journalistic ethics. The case is currently under investigation by the police in Careysburg.
Background: Under Liberia’s Rape Amendment Act of 2022, rape including statutory rape is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life imprisonment. The law provides special protection for minors and persons with disabilities and calls for medical, psychological, and legal support for survivors.
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