Escaping Abuse in Nepal

I would like to share with you a story about a girl in our care. It really emphasizes the importance of our work but sadly there is still a lot more to do. Every year 12,000 children are trafficked to India – the majority becoming victims of sexual exploitation.

When I was 12, my mum was forced to go abroad to earn money and left me with my Auntie Laxmi in Pokhara. I had to work in her hotel. The work was very hard and I missed my mum. One evening a man did bad things to me. He hurt me and I was scared and ashamed. I didn’t want it to happen again so I told my Auntie. She told me not worry. But it happened again, and again. I kept telling my Auntie but he didn’t stop. I didn’t know what to do. I was frightened but had nowhere to go. I thought it would never end.

Suddenly, one day a woman [Kidasha outreach worker] and the police came and took me away. I didn’t know where I was going but they took me to a shelter [Kidasha Emergency Shelter] with other girls my age. Everyone was kind to me but I was scared and didn’t want to talk to anyone. They let me play, draw and dance, and eventually, I felt comfortable enough to talk to Sabina [Kidasha counsellor]. She helped me feel safe and talking about what happened made me feel better.

Being able to talk with the other girls I don’t feel so alone. I’ve started taking classes in the shelter and am excited to go back to school soon and be a normal girl.

Kidasha’s team worked with the police to ensure that both the man who sexually abused Ishama and her aunt are now custody awaiting trial.

Without your support none of the above would be possible but please do consider donating again to help us rescue more girls like Ishama.

Thank you.

The Kidasha Team