A new program in India is helping survivors of child sex trafficking get justice for others like them ― by pursuing careers in the legal system.
The School for Justice, launched in April by Dutch anti-trafficking group Free a Girl, provides funding and other support to women who have escaped underage sex trafficking, so they can prepare for university and earn bachelor’s degrees in law.
The goal is to empower former victims to change how India’s legal system fights trafficking ― because all too often, perpetrators aren’t brought to justice, Free A Girl founder Evelien Hölsken told HuffPost. The program also aims to raise awareness of child sex trafficking.
The School for Justice’s inaugural class kicked off in April with 19 young women. Four were accepted to university and will start this month, Hölsken told HuffPost. The other 15 will study for another year or so before applying. To maintain their safety, the group is not releasing their full names, the location of the school, or the name of the university that some are attending.
HuffPost spoke by email with some of the women, who shared their stories and explained why they decided to participate in the program.
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“Being poor, I left my family at 9 years old to work in domestic service in a large house. The gardener, gatekeeper, the sweeper and other men abused me there,” survivor Sangita said. “[Years later] I left the house, but I didn’t realize that without money or directions I would not be able to find my way home. I asked [a woman begging on the street] for help, but she took me to a brothel and sold me to it. I was 13 years old.”
“I want to fight against child sexual exploitation and help others like me,” Sangita added. “I am excited about becoming a lawyer and this is why I joined the School for Justice.”
Ghgfcbhbvghbftyyy on July 17th, 2017 at 23:58 UTC »
I just want to say, that's fucking awesome. The world needs more people pissed off about the right things.
calineko on July 17th, 2017 at 21:06 UTC »
It is admirable that these women are willing to still deal with the stress and trauma of their past to help others.
I would probably have thought "fuck it, I want to bury all that happened in the past and move on".
Dreamer6 on July 17th, 2017 at 21:04 UTC »
I'm so happy for these girls. I'm so happy that there are people who don't give up on others because they have been abused. I'm so happy they are fighting back.