“I am very happy. I can use this money to start my own business and build a house!” chimed Asha* as she realized that her account has been credited with the compensation amount of 9 lac INR (over $11,000), the highest amount of compensation ever awarded to a sex trafficking victim in West Bengal. (Rescued From Brothel At 13, Sex Trafficking Survivor Compensated 7 Years Later)
Asha, a survivor of child sex trafficking, began her perilous journey for justice in 2016 when she was rescued by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of Kolkata. She lost both her parents at a young age and was trafficked from Odisha to a brothel in Kolkata. Barely thirteen years old, her medical examination revealed that she was subjected to rape and sexual assault.
The Calcutta High Court awarded her the compensation amount in 2020 (Trafficking survivor awarded ₹9 lakh by DLSA in West Bengal – The Hindu) but it took two more years for the funds to flow down to authorities in charge of disbursement. In total, it took seven years of anxious waiting to see any glimpse of hope. JVI and one of its partners supported lawyers to pursue justice and restoration of rights for Asha, rigorously checking on the status of compensation funds and advocating for the authorities to fulfill the obligation.
In addition to securing compensation for Asha, lawyers continue to pursue justice on her behalf through the conviction of those responsible for her enslavement. One of the perpetrators who was arrested has been given a two-year sentence while the trial for the other two is yet to begin.
Today, Asha is enrolled in school and is undergoing vocational training for handicrafts. She is dreaming of living in her own home and pursuing different avenues for growth.
*Name has been changed to protect confidentiality.
