Hurricane Katrina posed many threats to its victims other than killer winds and flooding waters. The wait for promised rescue efforts crated a dangerous and stressful time few days for young children of families stranded in the sports dome. For the family of one little girl named Bazy, six years old, the dangers presented at this designated safe place from the category five hurricane became a reality. The trauma of Bazy's encounter with a rapist in the dome's restroom compacted with stresses of losing their home and close relatives caused emotional damage for her and her family still struggle to overcome. After being rescued and relocated to a new home and school, Bazy became fearful and started to withdraw emotionally. Bazy's family sought psychological help for their daughter through an organization called Social Science Research Council. Through this organization's help Bazy received services to address the rape. The whole family also received help for all the psychological stresses that came along with their Katrina experience.
This is a similar story of a young girl named Pauline, six years old, currently residing in Haiti. She also experienced rape during the chaotic aftermath of a record earthquake. The difference between Bazy's story and Pauline's story is Bazy had her family and Pauline was left orphaned by the quake. She did not have the protection or support of her family. Another difference is Bazy’s rape was a one- time event, while Pauline's was an ongoing event, happening almost daily by the same man. It ended when she was found months later by an uncle that lived in a distant village. Pauline also became withdrawn and fearful to the point she stopped talking all together. The good news is, though years later; she is now receiving psychological help for Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Services are provided through a psychological organization set up in their country specifically for earthquake victims. In a country that has to rebuild existence is day to day and even children are expected to contribute to their households. There is no place or afford of an emotionally delayed child. Pauline's uncle has since placed her for adoption. She now resides in an orphanage.
This is a similar story of a young girl named Pauline, six years old, currently residing in Haiti. She also experienced rape during the chaotic aftermath of a record earthquake. The difference between Bazy's story and Pauline's story is Bazy had her family and Pauline was left orphaned by the quake. She did not have the protection or support of her family. Another difference is Bazy’s rape was a one- time event, while Pauline's was an ongoing event, happening almost daily by the same man. It ended when she was found months later by an uncle that lived in a distant village. Pauline also became withdrawn and fearful to the point she stopped talking all together. The good news is, though years later; she is now receiving psychological help for Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Services are provided through a psychological organization set up in their country specifically for earthquake victims. In a country that has to rebuild existence is day to day and even children are expected to contribute to their households. There is no place or afford of an emotionally delayed child. Pauline's uncle has since placed her for adoption. She now resides in an orphanage.
