Masitulah

Matisulah grew up in a home marked by fear and violence from a very young age. She lived with her father and stepmother together with her older sister. In moments of conflict, her father was physically violent toward the adults and the children, including Matisulah.

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For a period of time, she was sent to live with her grandmother, where she experienced some distance from the violence. Later, she was taken back to her father’s home. When she returned, her older sister was no longer there. When Matisulah asked about her, she was told by a relative that her sister had died under violent circumstances.

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After this, tension in the home increased. During another violent episode, Matisulah ran away in fear, first seeking refuge with a neighbour. Out of fear of retaliation, the neighbour could not keep her. Matisulah was then taken in by another woman nearby and later sent to work as a domestic helper. Over time, she was moved again to another household, where she experienced mistreatment.

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Feeling unsafe, Matisulah ran away once more, trying to find her grandmother. During this attempt, she became lost. She was eventually found alone by local authorities and referred for protection as a missing child.

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Today, Matisulah is in care, where her immediate safety needs are being met. She requires stability, emotional support, and protection to recover from prolonged exposure to violence, displacement, and fear, and to begin rebuilding a sense of security and childhood.