Trang’s family was never a happy one. Her father worked in another province and when he came home once or twice a month, he would beat her mother and blame her for his violence. As the only daughter, Trang spent her whole life trying to please everyone in her extended family so that they could have peace.
When her father was in prison and her mother was sick in hospital, Trang remembers fearing abandonment; a fear that still follows her. Trang would repeat to herself, “I have to be good; I have to be perfect so that they won’t leave me behind.” Not long after her mother was hospitalized, she was sexually abused by her uncles. Thinking that maybe she deserved it, she blamed herself and didn’t tell anyone for fear of criticism.
After having a panic attack caused by her father, Trang contacted Hagar Vietnam via our hotline. Hagar supported her with safe emergency accommodation, counselling, and case management.
After 12 sessions with Hagar’s psychologist, Trang saw positive changes in her mental well-being and perspective.
“It was like I always had a mask on, and I didn’t know how to be honest and vulnerable with others. Maybe I didn’t know where to start,” shared Trang. At Hagar, Trang could finally share her story. She was able to accept herself with all her bruised and broken pieces, and acknowledge that it is okay to not be okay.
By learning to accept herself, Trang was also able to accept others for who they are. In the past, Trang always felt pressure to constantly agree with her mother in order to show her loyalty. Now that she better understands her own behavior, Trang no longer feels guilty for being different and is able to have a more constructive relationship with her mother. Hagar’s staff in Vietnam continue to walk with Trang on her whole journey to recovery and empowerment.
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.
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.
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.
