Girl Power, helping girls recover from abuse

Namaste Everyone,

Here is hoping this report finds you safe and well

Here is the latest update from Rescue Junction and our special project for girls who have suffered abuse and exploitation.

First, if I may I want to tell you about our general anti trafficking work,

An important aspect of our work is prevention. To create awareness, we’ve also produced a song in Hindi about the risks of human trafficking and printed brochures and leaflets that we distribute in villages and communities.

We’re also training police, so they are able to identify victims of human trafficking. This is not an easy task, as with COVID-19 there are other forms of trafficking emerging such as cybercrime involving children. People target them online, groom them and try to meet them to abuse them.

People First is working with local communities, strengthening mechanisms like village child protection committees where they exist in order to prevent child trafficking. We are also closely working with local governance, village leaders to create a safety net for children. We sensitise and train the transport department workers- bus drivers, auto drivers, rickshaw pullers, potters at the railway stations – to identify the trafficked person and inform the respective officers.

As governments in many parts of the world are now focusing on health, many other issues, such human trafficking and exploitation, are taking a back seat. But we strongly need to adopt a common approach to combat human trafficking effectively at national and international level. Governments and civil society need to work together to make a difference. At rescue Junction we are involved in all these things

In recent months there has also been an increase in cases of forced marriages. Families marry their daughters to have one less mouth to feed. We’ve come across cases where children as young as 12 have been trafficked into a forced marriage.

He is one survivor's story, (we have changed the name in accordance with our child protection procedures)

My name is Sheetal, I am 13 years of age, Due to Covid my village school closed for long time but I tried to keep up with my studies with my mobile phone but it was old phone and needed repairing and I did not have 500 rupees (about $7 to repair it) We were already very poor and covid made it worse…. so, my family decided to marry me, although I pleaded with them to not do it. My groom was 21 years of age!

In the village I live near Gaya some of the children were aware of a special number for children in trouble which you can call without charge and I borrowed my friend’s phone and called them they were so caring. I was speaking to a lady from Rescue Junction and they told me that they would come and talk to my parents. Within 24 hours they came with a lady Police officer and my parents signed a legal bond saying I would not be married before 18 years of age and would be allowed to continue my education. But my parents woke me up just 3 nights later to drive to an unknown place for my marriage.

Luckily my friend saw and heard the commotion, (I was kicking and screaming before they blocked my mouth) and I made a phone sign she understood and called the emergency number ....as the vehicle was local, she was able to give the registration number.  After about 10km as we were passing the nearby town the police stopped the vehicle and rescued me, and I was sent straight to Rescue Junction. There the staff were so kind and gentle.

It took some months but after a big meeting at Rescue Junction I returned home under the supervision and with support from Rescue Junction. And I have restarted my education as far as Covid situation will allow.

I cannot thank everyone at Rescue Junction enough and all of you who help children like me.

May God Bless you All.

Sheetal

Note: this story was recited to Rescue Junction Staff in Hindi and translated but the story has not been edited and is in Sheetal’s own words.

Thank you all for your help and support