No human should be subjected to sexual abuse, let alone a child.

This is the story of Irina (name changed), a child from a broken home living under the care of her mother and the mother’s new boyfriend only to be abandoned and discarded by the same people who tore her life apart. In 2016, her mother ran off with her boyfriend taking Irina with her, only to later reunite Irina with her father by discarding her at his doorstep. Her father lived in a small metal hut, in very dire conditions, where he was forced to take the little girl with him doing odd jobs.

In 2018, Irina was referred to Orran Vanadzor, by a relative, at the age of 7. For a child to have endured so much pain and poverty at such a tender age, her journey of recovery started through the hot meals, regular bathing, medical and psychological counseling given to her.  Approximately 2 months later, it became evident that there were other major underlying problems with Irina as she began to tell stories to the centers nurse and psychologist of her (sexual) abuse by her mother’s boyfriend.

Irina’s case was reported to the police, who opened an investigation. Orran supported them by conducting an inquiry, including medical exams and consulting with the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief foundation, to determine the best path forward for Irina and her safety. It was decided that Irina should be placed in a children’s shelter where she would receive the care, support and schooling that was vital for her future – a decision that was hard for everyone involved as it meant separating her from a father that loved her, but Irina needed to be removed her from a neighborhood that victimized her and tormented her.

Orran has since entrusted Irina under the care of a wonderful children’s center that nurtures her with love, education and support. Irina is on her road to recovering from a gruesome childhood.

Her abuser has been charged and will serve a 15 year prison sentence.