Olisa is studying abroad in China. She was sexually assaulted by another student when he found out she identified with the LGBTQ community. Her perpetrator told her he was going to "fix" her. Olisa is devastated and has asked us to help her come home.
Americans abroad that identify with the LGBTQ community often face violence. For young American women studying abroad like Olisa, they can be targeted and horrifically sexually assaulted.
Olisa is traumatized and wants to come home. Her wonderful study abroad experience has turned into a nightmare. We need to change the date of her return airline ticket home and pay the change fee and difference in the airline ticket cost, as well as provide some funds for basic needs. Olisa will be living with her parents so she won't need any further financial support when she returns.
We will provide extensive services to 30 LGBTQ victims of sexual assault, hate crimes and interpersonal violence while traveling or living in a foreign country. Services include danger to safety relocation, legal assistance, cash for immediate needs, counseling and long term case management. Case managers will help the victims navigate foreign systems safely preventing re-victimization.
