In a peculiar turn of events, I have found myself inside the four pink corners of a room. One that carries stories of abuse, domestic violence, and even those of rape cases. And while the loud pink color feels light, the pleas of the people sitting alongside me, including mine, are just too heavy to ignore.

What particularly struck a chord in my rather curious mind was the story of a child inappropriately touched and even raped on multiple accounts. Mind you, I had no intention of eavesdropping, but the declaration of the grievances of the guardian carries too much substance for me to simply sit back and scroll mindlessly on my phone.

One would assume that disappointment stemmed from what happened—for sure it does—but what boiled the guardian's mind was the action, or lack thereof.

Concerned authorities seemed to be on different pages, as both were at odds with how they want due process to be honored. One implies an immediate viable one, while the other seeks delay for who knows why. And as these government agencies continue their fiasco, the child remains in the same neighborhood—seeing the man who wronged her roam freely like he's the victim of his own dreadful acts.

With the same ball game, at least in terms of disagreements, was when we were referred to this certain institution. Before we could even come close to their doors, we were dealt with. They asked for our intentions and even personal matters, which, radically speaking, seem to be inappropriate to discuss in an open space. And it only took a bit of small talk before we were caught in a limbo of a longstanding botch between the place that recommended us and the place we were recommended to. Then rejected.

As the firsthand recipient of these treatments and a first-timer when it comes to these procedures, it came as quite a shock. Who would not be surprised when you’re simply seeking aid but are instead asked to deal with another?

Although the work of these people is neither a piece of cake nor easy-breezy, considering the environment they are working in and the profession they chose to practice, they should've been the last people one would expect to act in such a way. Even if timing plays a role, such eventualities ought not to prevail when comfort should be felt and not another episode of tension. After all, a little bit of compassion does not strip them of their pins, and a little more pinch of patience does not cost anything, really.

Ultimately, misunderstandings cannot be avoided in every workplace, but no one should opt not to understand. Better treatment should become a core principle regardless of the agency or institution you are working with, and the same applies to those who also seek help. Mutual understanding should co-exist with both parties, and personal matters or institutional disagreements should not come at the cost of affecting those who have suffered more than enough. And I hope the child, and all the people we shared the room with, even for a short while, receive the justice they are famished for.

The Frontman