In November 2018, a JVI Justice Hub rescued five brave young girls from a life of captivity. Among them was 15-year-old Diya, who had been lured into sex trafficking by Kali, a man she worked with at a packaging factory. He proceeded to exploit her hopes and dreams with promises of a better life. Once under his control, Diya was treated like a mere object, kept in a drug-induced haze and forced to service countless customers. This went on for six months until her rescue, but at that point Diya had become a shadow of her former self, deeply scarred by the horrors she had faced.
Rebuilding Life with Justice Hub’s Support
Justice Hub social workers poured into Diya’s life, counseling her as she sought to regain a sense of peace and purpose. She longed to reunite with her family but was met with an indifference that broke her heart. Through it all, the Justice Hub team stood by her side, slowly igniting a hope that led to her decision to continue her education. In April 2024, Diya completed her schooling and slowly reclaimed her life, venturing into new pursuits including an English language course and Zumba dance. Energized by her educational accomplishments, Diya set her sights even higher, applying to a General Nursing and Midwifery program with the support of the Justice Hub team.
The Fight for Justice and Compensation
Meanwhile, the battle for justice continued as Justice Hub lawyers gathered evidence against her tormentors and prepared Diya to testify against them. Despite the crimes against her, there were numerous bureaucratic challenges that delayed the disbursement of victim compensation to which she was entitled.
Finally, after providing pivotal testimony Diya was awarded compensation of INR 100,000 (around $1,200), and Justice Hub lawyers did not cease working until that amount was deposited into her bank account. Justice Hub lawyers will also continue to work in the ongoing criminal case against her traffickers.
Pursuing Education and New Dreams
Today, Diya is studying to be a nurse. She eventually reunited with her family, who embraced her and were counseled by social workers on how to help Diya heal from her trauma. Diya’s story is an inspiring one, but she is just one of the many, many young girls whose lives are derailed by sex traffickers. We celebrate Diya’s bright future and are committed to helping other exploited girls rebuild their lives.
*All names changed to protect identities
