34% of girls and 23% of boys in Bolivia were sexually assaulted before turning 18 years old.
43.9% of adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years of age in Bolivia, were victims of physical violence, 11.1% were victims of sexual violence from their partner and 48.7% were victims of emotional aggression.
The Arco Iris Foundation, through “Casa Refugio”, provides life development opportunities for those adolescents who are enduring motherhood; many of these adolescents are victims of sexual violence, leaving them with irreversible emotional and physical trauma.
“Casa Refugio” welcomes and provides all the necessary support to these mothers who seek an adequate space for their personal development, maternal transit, security, and care, all within the framework of a dignified life free of violence.
We engage in the task of the restitution of rights for these young women. We welcome them and their sons and daughters with warmth and quality. Our goal when they enter our care is to apply a model of care and intervention aimed at favoring individual mental health strengthening, creating affective bonds that have a positive impact on the relationship and treatment with their children. As well as, in the process of comprehensive life-skills training, assuming their motherhood, autonomy, and independence with sufficient tools to assimilate and face their problems for personal improvement.
Each child represents in their life a rebirth and personal love story. This narrative of having survived a life full of turmoil turns them into “saviors” who symbolize the meaning of life: love conquers all.
“What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly.” Lao Tzu
Teenage pregnancy is a complex social issue to approach and understand due to the physical, psychological, and social impact it has on each of the women.
