Help rescue children from sexual violence in India

Thank you!

We would like to thank all people making donations via GlobalGiving to this important cause! It makes a big difference to the lives of children in India at risk for sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Thank you, Thank you!

In the last 9 months, with your help, we have rescued 170 victims of sexual exploitation of which 113 minor girls! Given the high levels of impunity and lack of access to justice, we are also happy to report that 104 perpetrators were arrested for this horrible crime.

The story of Aaliyah

Note: names have been changed for privacy reasons

Aaliyah, a 15-year-old girl from Bangladesh, falls in love with Sohail and dreams of a life with him in India. Accompanied by Sohail's sister, Sabha, Aaliyah travels to Kolkata, expecting Sohail to join her. However, upon reaching Ahmedabad, she discovers Sohail's absence and is confronted by his friend Jamal, who insists she work for him against her wishes. He then drugs her and forces her.

In a twist of fate, Aaliyah encounters Soniya, a seemingly empathetic 28-year-old woman at a hotel. Soniya proposes they run away together and report Jamal to the police, prompting Aaliyah to agree. They board a bus, but upon reaching Soniya's house, Aaliyah realizes that Soniya has no intention of helping her. In fact, Soniya is another Jamal, forcing her to work and into sexual exploitation. Realizing the danger, Aaliyah escapes Soniya's clutches, but cannot find help. Nobody understands her local language. Finally, Soniya tracks her down and locks her up.

Later, Soniya and her husband attempt to take Aaliyah to another location on their scooter. A determined Aaliyah manages to escape, seeking help from a fruit vendor who cannot understand her language, but is clever enough to contact the police.

A bit later, Free a Girl’s partner joins the police together with a translator from Bangladesh. They are able to assist Aaliyah and make plan for her repatriation to Bangladesh. Her family is contacted for the necessary documents and comforted.

Currently safe at a girls' children's home in Surat, Aaliyah receives counseling and support from our partner’s social workers. Despite the trauma, she expresses a strong desire to return home, but also demands justice against those who exploited her. Jamal has been arrested, and efforts are underway to locate Soniya and her husband. Aaliyah's unwavering determination for justice remains a driving force in her difficult journey. Our partner is there to assist her with every step.