As Liberia marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, mothers and survivors are raising alarm over a system they say is extorting victims instead of protecting them.

Rape survivors—including infants—are reportedly being denied help unless families pay unofficial fees. Mothers describe carrying bleeding children to hospitals and courts, only to be told to “bring money,” with clerks and even public defenders allegedly demanding five to ten U.S. dollars before cases proceed.

New Narratives’ Tetee Gebro reports from Montserrado County for Okay FM.

This story was produced in collaboration with New Narratives as part of the Investigating Liberia project, with funding from the Swedish Embassy. The donor had no say in the story content.