Makara is seven, and her big sister Sopheak is nine. They live in a rural province in Cambodia with their grandmother, who they moved in with a couple of years ago when their parents had to move away. In the months that followed their move, both Makara and Sopheak experienced severe trauma when a relative raped them.
The girls were referred to Hagar for comprehensive care. Both Makara and Sopheak received case management, school support, daily food support, and legal support. Their case was brought to trial, and Hagar’s legal officer walked the whole journey with them. She explained what to expect during the court process, and prepared the girls extensively so that they wouldn’t be re-traumatised throughout it.
“At first, I was scared of the people in the courtroom, but they talked to me very kindly. I was happy to have my mom, my grandma, my counsellor, the legal officer and my lawyer with me in court. If I went there alone, I would have been scared of court.”- Makara
“Both girls testified very clearly and confidently in Court. They are very brave and I am really proud of them.”- Hagar’s Legal Officer
At the conclusion of the trial, the perpetrator was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for rape with aggravating circumstances. Makara and Sopheak have been able to return to a sense of normalcy. The girls love to play hide and seek, and Sopheak loves to dance. Sopheak helps around the house after school and teaches Makara to read and write. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up.
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.