A Liberian girl is now under Child Protective Services in Phoenix, Arizona after her family disowned her after being raped by four boys. Also Liberian, the boys’ ages range from nine to fourteen. Her parents refused to let her back in the house because she “shamed” the family and her honor was now questionable. Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, an outspoken anti-rape campaigner reported to CNN, “I think that family is wrong. They should help that child who has been traumatized.” The attacks occurred on July 16 when the boys coaxed the young girl into a shed under false pretenses and raped her for 10 to 15 minutes. The 14 year old boy is being charged as an adult, while the other three aged 9,10, and 13 will face juvenile sexual assault and kidnapping charges. Ethical issues have arisen as commentators express their opinions about her parents’ negligence. CPS has taken the girl under their care and many calls for adoption have been offered. Ultimately, the trauma, ill-treatment, and disrespect the girl has faced could continue to have formidable repercussions for her in the future. Issues about what her legal rights for adoption are still pending as the parents refuse to allow adoption proceedings to take place.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8168480.stm

See also: “Liberia’s Child Rape Victims” – http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6272043.stm