Help women and girls escape human trafficking

In April and May 2023, 29 new survivors of human trafficking were admitted to Hagar's holistic aftercare program in Cambodia. Each of these women and girls was connected to a case manager who helped them access the following services: 

• Counseling including special treatment for severe trauma 
• Medical care and health treatments
• Individual & Systematic face-to-face counseling sessions
• Support developing a safety plan
• Family counseling sessions
• Nutritious food
• Legal support

Each of these 29 women and girls are now accessing holistic care for the exploitation they experienced and will be supported by Hagar every step of the way until they are able to integrate with dignity into their communities - like Minea, who's story is profiled below.

Minea's Story

When Minea (pseudonym) was a young teenager, she was preyed on by a trafficker. Minea was trafficked to China through a network of brokers and then forced to marry a local man.

After experiencing sexual abuse, Minea fled back to the broker's house, only to be resold to a different man who kept her locked inside the house. Escaping once more, Minea found illegal work in a garment factory. A fellow Cambodian lady at the factory befriended Minea and promised to help her return home. But insteas of support, Minea was sold to yet another man and suffered extreme sexual and physical violence while being deprived of food and medical treatment.

Remarkably, she escaped a third time but was arrested by the police and sent to a detention center as an illegal immigrant. Finally, two years after her nightmare began, Minea was released to the Cambodian embassy and returned home with nothing but clothes on her back.

Hagar welcomed Minea into our holistic aftercare program. “My foster mother is like my second mother," Minea says. "She gave me love and cared for me and I love her. For a long time, I lost my hope, trust, and love, and now I feels them.” After medical check-ups and a comprehensive family assessment, Minea was reintegrated with her family a month after returning to Cambodia.

With Hagar's support, Minea pursued legal justice against her broker. Not long ago, Minea won the case against her trafficker. “My mother and sister are very happy that I got justice. I have received justice and I believe they will not have a chance to hurt other young women again.” Minea said with tear in her eyes. “Since the perpetrators are in prison, I now feel safe and in peace. I will build my new life, a life that I hope will be better. I have learned, and I going to work as a Chinese translator. I am committed to helping other women."

It took many years for Minea to overcome the trauma she experienced and rebuild her life. Hagar was with her every step of the way. And we will be with each of the 29 women and girls who have just entered our programs, ensuring they have everything they need to heal, rebuild their lives, and thrive and flourish. 

Links:

• Find Hagar USA online