Few experiences are quite as traumatic as child abuse. The exploitation of weak and defenseless children is one of the unfortunate realities that exist on the planet, more so in the Third World, where silence is often seen as a virtue. Bobbi Bear, an organization that takes an active role protecting children in South Africa, and driven women behind it are the subject of the HBO documentary “Rough Aunties.†Through this production, we are shown gripping first-hand accounts of the trials and tribulations that occurred over the course of filming.
Based outside of Durban, Bobbie Bear is made almost entirely of women who take it upon themselves to reach out, protect, and counsel children who have suffered or continue to suffer abuse. But this is no ordinary organization. The first case shown in the documentary involves a man who raped a little girl, was released on bail and continued to verbally torment her as he lived next door.
After a fiery debate with local authorities, Bobbi Bear gets together a small group of armed men and women who meet up with police to apprehend the child molester. After knocking down a couple doors and threatening to arrest the perp’s mother, they get their man. Through this event we get a chance to see the group’s persistence to bring justice for their charges.
A constant theme of the documentary is female empowerment, the feeling that it is up to them to take care of children who might otherwise be forgotten. With the personalities of Bobbi Bear’s staff that are on display here, it is hard to disagree with that notion. Among the people the documentary focuses on are: Mildred, a woman with a history of abuse and a recent failed marriage; Eureka, the often fiery coordinator, who works a lot with local police; and Jackie, the steely, respected boss of Bobbi Bear. These women time and again put up a defiant face against the constant misery they face on any given day. It is only when the camera focuses on them individually that we see the effect that all this trauma has on them. Yet they push forward.
Among the events that they have to deal with, other than the previously mentioned apprehension of a child rapist, include: the bloody aftermath of a home invasion, the accidental drowning of a Bobbi Bear employee’s son, and the removal of custody of a girl who was regularly beaten. During these circumstances, often while barely able to contain their own emotions, these women have to comfort those who have suffered the worst.
Directed by Kim Longinotto, a woman who has made a career documenting the plight of women in impoverished conditions the world over, Rough Aunties illuminates a story that is not often seen. It is a tale of women of different backgrounds coming together to better the lives of other women and children. It’s a story of how empowered women can make the world a better place, of how emotion can save us all.
In fact, at one point Jackie tells the assembled Bobbi Bear staff that if they don’t cry everyday then there is something wrong with them, that their hearts are not made for this line of work.
Fortunately for these children, there is no shortage of tears.
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