In an instant, Pooja lost both of her parents and became an orphan at a young age. Her aunt and uncle took her in. While adjusting to her new surroundings, Pooja was abducted.
Her relatives frantically searched for her, and with the help of the police they were able to get her back. During her abduction, Pooja was sexually assaulted and raped. Her relatives wanted to hold her perpetrator accountable for his violent actions, but he evaded any punishment. They despaired if justice would ever be served, wondering if Pooja would know her value if no one fought for her and if she would ever feel safe knowing her abductor was still out there.
Her aunt and uncle reached out to the local Justice Hub for help, and the legal team gave the family hope when they committed to bringing justice for Pooja. However, as the case became a reality, Pooja’s relatives received threats and even offers for bribes from the perpetrator’s influential connections. The legal team also received pressure to withdraw the case. However, the family and the Justice Hub team did not succumb to pressure, and they continued to fight to punish the perpetrator.
After two years of hard work, justice was finally served. Pooja’s perpetrator was recently convicted and sentenced to four years in prison. Today, Pooja knows that she has a family who will fight for her. She has a community that is dedicated to pursuing justice at all cost and seeing sustainable justice transformation where perpetrators are held accountable. Pooja is safely at home with her aunt and uncle.
Note: Pseudonym used to protect survivor’s identity
