20 years ago...

Twenty years ago, our founder Leigh and International Director Hilary first set foot on Cambodian soil during a trip visiting organisations across Asia to learn how they could help stop the sexual exploitation of children.

Cambodia captured their hearts immediately. They saw deep poverty, families struggling to rebuild after war and genocide, and children who were incredibly vulnerable to exploitation. But they also saw resilience and hope.

They recognised a critical need: once children were rescued, there were very few safe places for them to heal.

Just 18 months later, the SHE Rescue Home opened its doors.

From the beginning our vision has been simple:

For the past 20 years we have stayed focused on the one girl in front of us — welcoming, caring for and supporting each survivor on her journey toward healing. During this time 138 children have found safety and support through the SHE Rescue Home.

One moment that shaped the heart of SHE was the arrival of one of the first girls. She was just six years old when she was rescued after being sold by a neighbour to a trafficker while her mother was at work. The trauma she carried was immense, but her story strengthened our commitment to ensure every girl who arrives finds safety, healing and hope.

Over the years the home has grown to meet the need. In 2010 we moved to our current home in Phnom Penh, which can now support up to 22 girls and includes spaces for education, counselling, vocational training and, importantly, space to simply be children again.

Cambodia has changed dramatically over the past two decades. Phnom Penh now has high-rise buildings, shopping malls and busy streets. While progress is being made, vulnerability and exploitation still exist. There is still much work to do.

Today the SHE Rescue Home is proudly fully Khmer-run, ensuring the work is culturally grounded and built for the future.

None of this would be possible without the community of supporters who have stood with us over the past 20 years.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to the girls who still need safety, healing and opportunity.

Your donation helps ensure the SHE Rescue Home can continue welcoming and supporting girls for many years to come.