Exploited since age 10, now free.

August 20, 2019 | JVI

On August 6, 2019, three minor girls (between 14-16 years old) and one adult female were rescued from sex trafficking in a combined effort by JVI, partner ADITHI, local administration and police. 

Completely isolated from the outside world, the girls were physically beaten, tortured and forced to service 4-5 customers per day. If they refused to do so, they were injected with drugs causing them to suffer extreme side-effects. Held captive by the brothel owners, the victims saw no end in sight.

JVI and its local partner learned of the brothel situation and filed a written report with the Superintendent of Police. A rescue team consisting of male constables, female constables, witnesses and social workers were put into motion. During the raid, 6 accused (including traffickers, brothel owners, pimps and one customer) were arrested.

The rescued survivors and accused persons were taken to the local police station where further investigation was conducted. One of the survivors stated she was trafficked when she was just a child and was first sexually exploited at the age of 10 by a customer. Another survivor had two small children living with her at the brothel. 

JVI lawyers ensured that a formal police complaint (a “First Information Report”) was filed asserting violations under the Indian Penal Code, Juvenile Justice Act, Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act (ITPA) and the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO).

JVI lawyers coordinated with authorities to ensure the brothel was closed and sealed; a crucial deterrent strategy adopted by JVI
to reduce trafficking and sexual exploitation of victims in red light areas. 

The survivors and the two children were taken to a protective shelter home where they will receive counseling and rehabilitative services. Though the road to complete healing is long and complex, JVI and its aftercare partners will work with the survivors to develop a plan for sustained freedom, justice and restoration.

There are millions of children, women and men around the world with similar stories. Help us change their story one life at a time.

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JVI’s Justice Hub in West Bengal recently experienced a notable legal victory when a trafficking case involving a perpetrator who was a minor was transferred to the trial court (from the Juvenile Justice Court), due to the perpetrator’s complicity in the heinous crime.  In 2018, 15-year-old Nita* was lured into trafficking by another girl who was also a minor. Nita

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