Didn’t take a good enough photo today, but got this little report approved, which is probably better.
In September last year, Agnes walked the boundaries of her newly-restored land with her family and her IJM team. After generations of being excluded from land ownership, Agnes and the women in her family were at last given their rights. On that day, she felt more hope than she had in a long time. But it was a very different story back at her home.
Agnes is one of three customary wives of the Local Council secretary for security – a man charged with protecting the vulnerable in his community. Despicably, this man is also notoriously violent and greatly feared within his village, especially in his home. He beat his wives regularly and brutally. Once Agnes was established as a landowner, he took special interest in his 25-year-old wife. Last Friday, his rage reached new heights when he beat Agnes mercilessly and left her unconscious.
Agnes’ terrified family called IJM aftercare specialist Lydia, who quickly rallied investigator and drove deep into the village to Agnes’ rescue. When they brought the police to arrest this man, he lashed out and fought against them with all his might before finally being subdued and arrested.
From his jail cell, Agnes’ husband loudly proclaimed his regret and promised never to harm her again. As many battered women do, Agnes defended her husband and asked for his release, believing his lies and empty promises. But through the cell bars, he whispered to her “When I get out of here, I’m going to kill you and your children.”
Over the next week, as Agnes’ husband waited at the jail, Lydia’s phone rang repeatedly with nervous calls from community members begging IJM to let the man go. He was too powerful, they claimed, and would wreak havoc on Agnes’ family when he was released. The other two wives chided Agnes and blamed IJM for tearing apart a happy family, unwilling to see the heinous injustice before their eyes.
But IJM refused to relent to this man’s reputation. On Thursday, he was brought before a judge, read the charges against him, plead guilty, and was convicted. Almost immediately, word spread through the village that even Agnes’ mighty husband was powerless against the law.
Our field office director retold this story at our morning devotions, saying, “He was strong, and then he was humbled, because Lydia was brave and [our investigator] was brave and our God is GOOD.”
We are supremely thankful for God’s provision in this case and for enabling IJM to rescue this woman and help the government authorities to hold her abuser accountable. We pray for Agnes as she deals with this terrifying situation and the uncertainty that may await her future. Please pray that God provides comfort for her during this time and that the community will heed this powerful message that when laws are enforced, the violence will stop.
