Many of us have heard the term ‘sex tourists’ before in TV shows, stand-up comedy specials and movies – usually aimed at Asian countries. The casual nature of referencing sex tourism on these platforms sanitises a real-life issue that directly impacts women and girls and robs them of their voice. Cambodia, like many other countries is a destination for these kinds of predators.

How is it possible to encapsulate the emotions that millions of people have grappled with when healing from the abuse they have survived after sexual exploitation?

People are uncomfortable talking about sex trafficking and the horrors involved. Often the stories are told, intentionally or not, in a way that blame victims and has judgmental tones creating shame that survivors internalise. This shame weighs heavily on survivors of sexual abuse and hinders the ability to heal.

Poverty is a driving force behind debt-based coercion and many victims and their families experience stigma in the form of blame or shaming. We have heard people ask us ‘how could a parent sell their child?’ But it is rarely the truth, most of the time it is debt-bondage and the families are never in control to make a choice.

Behind the heartbreaking statistics of human trafficking, there are real lives with real stories. Here are 2 stories of hope of Navi* and Sokha*, both beautiful young girls that have come through the SHE Rescue Home and have had their lives turned around for the better through our HER Initiative.

Vothana* was welcomed into the home last year as an 11 year old. Growing up in a violent home, she was sexually exploited regularly… by someone the family knows well. Now She is safe in the home and on the journey of healing from her trauma. Her future is bright. But the hurt isn’t always over the moment they walk through our doors.