In this Rotten Mango episode, Aziza Kibibi shares her story of surviving long-term abuse by her father, which began during her childhood and resulted in multiple pregnancies. She discusses the complex family dynamics that enabled the abuse, including her mother's inaction and the impact on her siblings, as well as the health challenges her children faced.
The episode covers Kibibi's pursuit of justice through the legal system, which resulted in her father's 90-year sentence, and her current work in abuse prevention. Through her organization, Precious Little Ladies Incorporated, she supports abuse survivors while advocating for legislative reform of incest laws. Kibibi also discusses how she processes her experiences through creative outlets and maintains open communication with her children about their family history.

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Aziza shares her story of severe abuse by her father, who homeschooled her and made her responsible for teaching her younger siblings. At age 8, her father began molesting her, using manipulation and threats to maintain control. The abuse escalated over time, leading to her pregnancy at age 15 and giving birth at home at 16. Her children faced health challenges due to the incestuous relationship, including PKU and spinal muscular atrophy.
Aziza reveals that her mother knew about the abuse but remained passive, even when told directly by Aziza's father. This created lasting tension in their relationship, particularly after Aziza gave birth. The trauma extended to her siblings, some of whom were also abused by their father. Family dynamics were further complicated by rivalry and misunderstanding, with some siblings blaming Aziza for the abuse they experienced.
Aziza took her father to court, facing significant challenges during the legal process, including aggressive cross-examination and skepticism from jury members. Her efforts led to her father receiving a 90-year sentence. She plans to visit him in prison to understand the origins of his abusive behavior. Beyond her personal case, Aziza works to reform incest laws, promoting "Aziza's Law" to criminalize incest, despite facing legislative opposition.
Today, Aziza focuses on healing and preventing abuse through various channels. She maintains open communication with her children, encouraging them to express their feelings and ask questions about their heritage. Through her organization, Precious Little Ladies Incorporated, she works to end child abuse and support survivors. Aziza processes her experiences through creative outlets, including poetry and podcasting, while working on her second book, "The Hump," which aims to help others facing similar hardships.
1-Page Summary
Aziza’s harrowing narrative details the severe abuse and trauma she suffered at the hands of her father, who was both her educator and tormentor.
Aziza was homeschooled by her father, and as the eldest daughter, it became her duty to teach her younger siblings. The homeschooling environment was strict and stressful, as her father imposed harsh discipline. He would punish Aziza if her sister did not meet certain educational standards. Despite the stress and the demands placed on her by her father, who would play with the children while simultaneously disciplining them harshly, Aziza accepted this responsibility.
Aziza's father began molesting her at age 8, manipulating her by asserting that his actions were what "all fathers did with their daughters." He used her good grades and responsibility as a pretext to abuse her in a secluded closet. Aziza initially felt uncomfortable and scared. Despite her protests, the abuse continued, eventually becoming a frequent occurrence, almost every night. This abuse progressed over time; at age 11, her father punished her by sodomizing her after she tasted his cheesecake, threatening her life if she spoke out. Even while raising her siblings and living a life she saw as "normal," the abuse and lack of sleep took a heavy toll on her.
Aziza describes the night she gave birth at home at the age of 16, after becoming pregnant at 15. Labor pains, initially mistaken for the need to defecate, led to her water breaking while she used a Home Depot bucket due to non-working plumbing. Her father assisted in the delivery and advised her during the rapid labor. A ...
Aziza's Personal Experiences of Abuse and Trauma
Aziza's life was marred by tragedy, beginning when her father told her mother about the molestation when Aziza was 10, claiming it was to remedy Aziza's skin condition—a fact that omitted the reality he was raping her. Her mother believed the explanation and remained passive. As the abuse negatively impacted Aziza's health, worsening her asthma and eczema, her mother was observed to smile as the woman present acknowledged the situation, hinting at her "questionable sexual tastes" encouraged by Aziza's father.
In a crucial moment, Aziza's brother had to urge their mother to let him take Aziza and the baby to the hospital during her son's seizures, again showing her mother's awareness but passivity during Aziza's plight. Aziza confronts her mother for allowing the abuse to continue, accusing her of being no better than the father. Her mother avoided charges, as initially, she was married to Aziza's abuser and waived her right not to testify against him.
Post-childbirth, Aziza implies that her mother's awareness did not translate into intervention. Aziza observes her mother becoming jealous after her first child's birth, highlighting a shift in their relationship dynamics that fuels further tension. She was determined not to repeat her mother's mistakes with her own daughter, providing the protection she never received.
The trauma from the abuse crafted a complex relationship between Aziza and her mother. Aziza recounts her mother blaming her for her father's actions and admits that there has always been a tension between them. Additionally, Aziza's mother did not attend her father's sentencing, instead choosing to go on a cruise, which Aziza believes was due to her mother's self-protective reasons.
Despite the mother's changed behavior during Aziza's pregnancy, Aziza remains uncertain of her intentions. Aziza loves her mother but has distanced herself due to unresolved guilt. This detachment is further emphasized when her mother's jealousy arose after Aziza gave birth to her daughter, with Aziza's father showing favoritism that differed from the abuse she suffered. This favoritism may have intensified her mother's envy.
Aziza's familial pain extended to her siblings, some also molested by their father. Her siblings, informed of Aziza's abuse and directed to inform their father if anyone offered her help, reinforced the oppressive environment. Aziza describes her relationship with one of her sisters as particularly turbulent; the sister blamed Aziza for her abuse, not understanding that the attention from their father was not a privile ...
Complex Family Dynamics and Relationships
Aziza's courageous efforts to confront her abusive father in court and her ongoing mission to reform incest laws highlight the emotional and legal obstacles faced by survivors seeking justice.
Aziza faced a daunting task as she prepared to testify against her own father, a battle marked by several psychological and judicial hurdles.
Aziza describes going through the trial as nerve-wracking and scary, primarily out of worry about seeing her father again. The New Jersey justice system posed significant challenges due to its legal framework. During the trial, she felt her credibility was attacked, feeling invalidated as the defense attorney insinuated she was lying or had somehow asked for the abuse. Furthermore, the skepticism of judges over the delay in reporting the incest compounded the difficulty. Aziza's father's behavior in court, where she observed him trying to seduce his defense attorney, increased her distress. She also struggled with the visible doubt from certain jury members.
Despite her fears, Aziza found the resolve to stand against her father and hold him accountable for his actions. She pushed for a case though she had to offer proof of paternity, her father's threats to her life, and the violent nature of any abuse after she turned 18. This determination came while grappling with the painful intricacies of New Jersey's legal system that, at the time, did not recognize witnessing and not reporting abuse as a crime, a law that only changed in 2019.
Aziza was adamant that her mother should have also faced charges under the new law to set a precedent for reporting abuse. This aspect of accountability would enhance the system's effectiveness in safeguarding children and abuse victims. Frustrated with the state’s laws on incest, Aziza took steps to change legislation, promoting "Aziza's Law" to criminalize incest. She faces legislative opposition, with some arguing that the move could clash with certain religious beliefs. Despite this, she encourages public support through petition signings and legislative outreach.
Aziza’s advocacy seems to be effective, as the legal system has taken action. ...
Aziza's Fight For Justice and Accountability
Aziza's commitment to her children's well-being, her own healing journey, and her activism to prevent abuse is a potent narrative of overcoming and empowerment.
Aziza instills a culture of open communication in her family, teaching her children to express themselves freely, even if it means challenging her. The family engages in meetings to discuss goals and aspirations, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. She upholds an open-door policy, encouraging her children to inquire about any aspect of their trauma and heritage with confidence, humor, and without shame.
Aziza's children face significant challenges related to their health and the absence of a father. Two of her children suffer from inherited disorders: PKU, which necessitates a stringent low-protein diet and special formula, and spinal muscular atrophy, which has led to developmental delays and brain damage. The absence of their father adds a complex layer to their family dynamic, heightening the need for Aziza's focused and nurturing parenting approach.
Aziza has cultivated various creative outlets for processing her experiences, including poetry, which she uses to manage overwhelming emotions and which she plans to publish. Additionally, she hosts a podcast entitled "Self-Published," where she shares the drama surrounding the creation of her book, and uses TikTok for cooking live streams as a way of engaging and imparting her message to young peo ...
Aziza's Efforts to Break the Intergenerational Cycle
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