SA.“They’re Calling Me a Witch.” In a haunting story that has shocked an entire community, an 11-year-old girl named Varvara and her mother find themselves trapped in a spiral of cruelty, prejudice, and heartbreaking neglect. For years, Varvara has endured brutal bullying—mocked and taunted as a “witch” because of a facial deformity she was born with. While she fights for the simple right to attend school without fear, her mother battles her own demons: a life overshadowed by alcohol dependency, poverty, and the crushing weight of social stigma. Together, they stand alone against a world that has all but abandoned them… until one moment changes everything.
In a chilling revelation, a mother and her 11-year-old daughter, Varvara, are at the center of a harrowing story that exposes the harsh realities of bullying and systemic neglect in their community. Varvara, who has faced relentless taunts due to a facial deformity, is struggling to secure her right to education while her mother battles alcohol dependency and societal stigma.
During a recent encounter, a child protection inspector disclosed shocking details about Varvara’s situation. Despite being bright and eager to learn, Varvara has been denied enrollment in school due to her mother’s inability to complete necessary medical evaluations. This delay places her future in jeopardy, as she is already older than her peers and desperately wants to attend school and make friends.
The mother, who has been offered surgical options for Varvara’s condition, has repeatedly declined due to her own struggles with alcohol and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. In Russia, public hospitals are the only option for children under 18 needing such surgeries, which complicates matters further. Varvara’s mother expressed regret over her situation, admitting that her addiction has hindered her ability to care for her daughter properly.
In a heartbreaking moment captured on video, Varvara shared her experiences of bullying, revealing that she is often called derogatory names by her peers. “They call me a witch,” she said, reflecting the pain of isolation and the harshness of childhood cruelty. Yet, she remains resilient, stating that she fights back verbally against her bullies and has a close friend who protects her.
This distressing narrative sheds light on the urgent need for intervention to support Varvara and her mother. Activists are rallying to ensure that Varvara receives the educational opportunities she deserves, while also advocating for her mother to seek help for her addiction. As the community grapples with these issues, the call for action grows louder. Will Varvara finally get the support she needs to thrive, or will she continue to be a victim of her circumstances? The clock is ticking, and urgent action is needed to change the course of their lives.
