On 17th September 2021, on what would have been Elsa’s 38th birthday, we helped Butoke to launch the Elsa Corp Justice Project. The purpose of the Project is to help survivors of sexual violence in the area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where Butoke works, and to bring the perpetrators of sexual violence to justice. The Project has now completed its first two years of operation with some outstanding results – further details below.
The Project is named in honour of Elsa Corp, our beautiful daughter and sister. Elsa was a happy, kind, and extremely caring person, who was adored by her many friends. She always had a smile on her face, and loved to go out and have a good time with her friends. Elsa grew up in Cheltenham in the suburbs of Melbourne, and was a hairdresser by trade.
On the 1st of February 2010, Elsa was murdered by a man introduced to her by a friend. Unknown to Elsa, her “date” had a criminal record and was on parole at the time, and although he had broken parole, he was released from prison anyway. To try and change laws that would allow violent re-offenders to be free within the community, we campaigned by letters, appearances on radio and television, and a public rally that gathered over 10,000 signatures. Finally, in 2013 “Elsa’s Law” was introduced into parliament, stating that prisoners who had committed a serious offence whilst on parole were to be re-imprisoned.
Elsa would love the fact that her name is associated with a cause that helped young girls and women in such terrible situations. She would probably say “that is so not fair”, and be appalled at some of the cases that we have heard about in the DRC. She would be thrilled to know that she is helping these girls seek justice.
– Gilly, Andy, and Danny Corp
Butoke’s work with the survivors of sexual violence in the DRC
Sexual violence is endemic in the DRC. In perhaps the majority of cases, survivors of sexual violence receive no assistance after being attacked and perpetrators are not charged with any criminal offence. The perpetrators often carry on with their lives in the community without sanction. Further, the survivors of sexual violence often find that they are rejected by their own families and communities.
Butoke has for some time tried to improve the situation in the part of the DRC where it operates. It has done this by providing assistance to survivors of sexual violence and by encouraging the prosecution of perpetrators. The assistance provided is both medical and practical. In addition, Butoke pays for the survivors of sexual violence to be legally represented so that charges may be brought when a perpetrator is arrested. If survivors are not legally represented, then charges will not usually be brought.
What the Elsa Corp Justice Project has achieved in 2021-2023
The ECJP is funded by the family and friends of Elsa Corp, and byrne dean, a business co-founded by Matt Dean, Elsa’s cousin in the UK. In the first three years from 2021-2023, we have raised over $21,500 AUD!
In its first twelve months of operation from September 2021 the ECJP helped 14 women and girls who had been subjected to sexual violence. They were provided with psychological and medical care, and also assistance with food, clothing and transport. In each case they were also provided with legal representation. At least six of their attackers were imprisoned, and others fled. In every case Butoke believed that it had sent a clear message to the local community: that sexual violence would no longer be ignored and had consequences for the perpetrator.
In 2022 we raised more funds to enable Butoke to assist a further 7 women and girls who had been subjected to sexual violence. Each of the girls were given medical treatment and legal representation. As a result of this, 3 of the attackers are now imprisoned or arrested, and the other 4 are in hiding.
Butoke seeks to reduce the vulnerability of the girls by providing them with educational or business opportunities, such as assistance in setting up micro-businesses. In 2022, two of the girls completed sewing and tailoring courses, and other girls were given assistance to return to school, university, or work.
We have just finished fundraising for 2023, which will provide funds for girls throughout 2024. In total, $5,900 was raised! Special mention goes to the friends and networks of the East Sandringham Cricket Club (Melbourne, Australia), which now holds an annual ‘monthly running challenge’ to raise money for the ECJP (see below).
2023 East Sandringham Cricket Club Running Challenge
Just as we did in 2022, in 2023 we set another challenge for people to run 5km every day for a month (145km for the month – which we just worked up the courage to do in February 2024!). Each entrant pays the $50 fee and then gets to work running and raising money. Throughout February, we raised a total of $4,750!
A huge thank you again to Matt Harris who did much of the work organising the challenge again this year.
A few special mentions:
Most kilometres run: Ben Pryor – 202km. Longest run: Hugh Ryan – 50km; Fastest 5km: Ben Pryor – 19min 42sec.
See some photos below of the runners in action!!
How will money I donate to the Elsa Corp Justice Project be used?
Any money you give will be sent to The Friends of Butoke Charity in the UK. Then, when Butoke identifies a girl or woman who needs help after being attacked, the Charity will send funds to Butoke in the DRC. 100% of money donated will be spent in the DRC. The Charity’s running costs are paid by its trustees.
Money donated will be spent by Butoke on items such as medical and psychological care, food and clothing, relocation costs, and, sometimes, vocational education or assistance in setting up a micro-business for the girl or woman concerned. Butoke will also pay their legal fees to ensure that where possible perpetrators are prosecuted.
If the funds raised by the Elsa Corp Justice Project exceed those required to help the survivors of sexual violence with whom Butoke works then, in conjunction with the family of Elsa Corp, Butoke may decided to spend those excess funds on related projects. For example, Butoke has built a maternity unit in one of the communities it serves whose patients include victims of sexual violence. Butoke needs further funds to improve the very basic facilities available at the maternity unit.
The Charity will update this webpage next year with further news of the Project, so that everyone who has donated to it will be able to see what it has achieved.
How can I give money?
Friends and family of Elsa Corp in Australia can donate by using this justgiving page. If you have any queries about the page, please contact Danny, Elsa’s brother (danieltcorp@gmail.com). Existing supporters of Butoke may make donations by using the usual bank details and specifying that the payment is for the Elsa Corp Justice Project – or contact Paul Evans (paulevans@blueyonder.co.uk), one of the Charity’s trustees.
The Friends of Butoke Charity 