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COPYRIGHT 2001 Latin American and Caribbean Women's Health Network
In this interview by Nicaraguan journalist Mildred Largaespada, Zoilamgrica Narvaez shares her process of self-discovery and rebirth after confronting sexual abuse by her stepfather, ex-president of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega, and successfully bringing her complaint before the Inter American Human Rights Commission in San Jose, Costa Rica. Originally published by the Nicaraguan press in 1999 and in the Women's Health Journal 3-4/99, this interview provides a clear look at the effects of sexual violence on women's mental health.
"When night falls, I remember what happened on other nights." A small still voice awakens inside Zoilamerica Narvaez Murillo every evening as the sun begins to fade. This is the daily remembrance of a Nicaraguan woman whose court testimony states:
"I was sexually harassed and abused by Daniel Ortega Saavedra since I was 11 years old, and these actions continued for the next 20 years of my life ..."
With these simple words, she accuses her mother's husband and the leader of the Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional (FSLN, Sandinista National Liberation Front): Daniel Ortega Saavedra, victorious commander of the revolution that overthrew Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza in July 1979. For two consecutive terms, he was president of Nicaragua. But for Zoilamerica he is simply the man who abused her.
Over a year and a half has passed since Zoilamerica went public with the story of her years of sexual harassment and rape. Her confession unleashed a political and emotional tidal wave that swept the country.
Nicaraguans are still divided. Those who believed her continue to support her to this day, even after the recent presentation of her petition before the Inter American Human Rights Commission. Others doubt her and call her "crazy," "a lesbian," or simply a liar motivated by politics. They accuse her of trying to divide the FSLN.
But above all, they insist that Zoilamerica is lying because accepting that Daniel Ortega abused a little girl is to recognize that they admire a criminal. This admission is too painful for those who believe that only dictators take advantage of political power. Those who believe Zoilamerica understand that her case reveals every social, sexual and political prejudice of Nicaragua.
The accused, Daniel Ortega Saavedra, is trying to use his immunity as a member of parliament to avoid facing justice. Meanwhile, the judicial system offers Zoilamerica no special privileges. She has been treated just like any other Nicaraguan woman who brings a case of sexual abuse. "I have been re-victimized," she says. "With no access to justice, I continue to be doubted and stigmatized. The power of the offender is still stronger than my word."
Even though she considers herself just one more victim of sexual abuse, society does not perceive Zoilamerica as it would...
Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.
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