By Raksmey Var | Country Representative
Counseling is an integral part of the CTC program, for survivors of sexual and physical abuse it is a vital lifeline, providing tools for individuals to navigate the often challenging path toward healing and recovery. Survivors often carry the weight of trauma, feel isolated, misunderstood, struggle with overwhelming emotions and triggers, and grapple with trust issues, with themselves or in others. Counseling provides a safe and supportive environment for them to process and heal from these experiences, offers a space where their experiences are validated, and they receive empathetic support, helps rebuild a sense of trust, both in relationships and in one's own ability to navigate the world, equips them with coping strategies, and fostering resilience and emotional regulation.
Cheata is 18 years old. She was orphaned at 3 years old, whereafter she moved in with her grandmother. However, her uncle who lived there as well was seen as a risk to Cheata's wellbeing and she was quickly taken to live with her other grandmother. When she was 5, she enrolled in school and stayed until second grade, when she dropped out. She said she couldn't keep up with her studies and didn't have anyone to help her. Cheata was also struggling at home, suffering physical abuse from her grandmother who beat her.
Finally, at age 18, and after 13 years of enduring abuse daily, Cheata decided to run away. Fortunately, someone from the village recognized her and listened to her. They brought her to the authorities who referred her to the CTC safe shelter immediately.
When she first arrived at the shelter, she felt scared and worried that her grandmother was aware of her stay and had come to take her back. The officers observed clear signs of mental and physical distress in Cheata. As she has settled in at the shelter however, she has benefitted from the counselling and community support of the other women and girls in the shelter. She has been at the shelter for 9 months now, where she is learning to sew and make clothing. Her friends and counselors say she's very talented.
We are honored to support young women like Cheata on their way to healing.
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