“It’s the best meal I have ever had in my life. It’s also the first time I got to sit at the table during my meal. My husband said I looked just like a dog so I had to eat like a dog!” –Ha
Ha was 15 years old when she was sold as a bride and trafficked to China from Vietnam. She worked in domestic slavery all day; lunch time was her only meal and break. Her husband would throw her lunch on the floor next to their dog’s bowl.
One day after working in the field, Ha escaped back to Vietnam. A motorbike taxi driver noticed her wandering around in Yen Bai bus station and took her to the police station to get help. One of Hagar’s partners referred Ha to Hagar’s Vietnam office as she was in need of comprehensive care. Hagar’s Vietnam staff took Ha to the hospital for a check-up; she was malnourished and confused. After extensive examinations, the doctor concluded that Ha had slow cognitive development and her mental state was similar to that of a small child. Ha was diagnosed with an intellectual disability and Hagar was best able to support her needs at the time. Ha stayed at the Hagar Recovery Centre in Vietnam for a few months to receive healthcare, psychological support, and case management. Not long after Ha moved in, she was diagnosed with HIV. The Hagar staff worked with Ha on a plan to help her reintegrate into her community with minimal stigma and maximum support. With help from her case manager and with Ha’s consent, her family and community were informed about her illness and trained on how to administer her medication. Her local healthcare clinic was briefed about how best to help Ha. Ha was able to go home.
Ha moved home just before Tet (Lunar New Year) and was thrilled to be reunited with her family. Ha’s community has embraced her with open arms.
Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for each of its clients. To protect the identity of our clients, names have been changed and images do not necessarily represent the individual profiled.
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By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.