Shelter home for survivors of human trafficking

One of the priorities at the Udaan home shelter is the mental health of the women survivors of trafficking. During the period when they were exploited, they were severely punished almost on a daily basis. They had been torn from their homes and taken to places strange to them, with no one they knew, often without even speaking or understanding the language. They suffered violence practically every day and lived in constant fear. All this, undoubtedly, had a terrible impact on their psychological state.

Various studies reveal that more than half of the trafficking victims have considered suicide, or even have attempted it in some cases. In addition, they tend to feel shame and very low self-esteem, and hold totally negative expectations towards their future life. Other conditions revealed by different studies include depression or anxiety, among other disorders. In addition to the above, frequent problems of addiction to substances, drugs, alcohol, etc. appear, which have often been deliberately caused by their exploiters, in a procedure perpetrated to ensure their dependence towards them.

The activities offered in Udaan shelter home are focused in helping them to improve their mental health. It is very important to offer them a safe and peaceful environment where they can take the necessary time to heal their wounds and get ready to regain a dignified and free life. These activities include daily sessions of yoga, meditation, as well as dance and music which also help them in this way. They also have access to counselling sessions to help them cope with the memories of their past experiences. 

In fact, other type of activities they do in the house, such as candle or fabric making, have also a therapeutic effect, as they keep themselves busy doing a manual activity, allowing them to relax and share the moment with the other inmates of the shelter.

All these activities bring a ray of hope to them. And they are possible thanks to your support.

Thank you!!