Sreylen*

AGE

15 yrs

Occupation

Hospitality

WELCOMED INTO HOME

in 2024

Reintegrated HOME

in 2025

THINGS SHE LIKES TO DO

Cleaning

FAVORITE FOOD

Fried Noodles with Eggs

AMBITION

To be able to support her family

SREYLen’s* Story so far

Sreylen* was 14 years old when she was subjected to abuse by someone in a trusted position of authority. The perpetrator exploited his status to lure her into his room and take advantage of her vulnerability whenever she visited her brother at the temple, where he was a monk. One day, people heard her crying for help. Several monks broke into the room, protected her, and immediately contacted her family.

In a culture where silence around abuse is often the norm, Sreylen’s* story stands out. Her family believed her without hesitation and stood by her, reporting the crime to the police and demanding justice. The local authorities acted swiftly, investigating the case and arresting the perpetrator. While living at the SHE Rescue Home, Sreylen* bravely testified against him in both the local court and the court of appeal. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

During her time at the SHE Rescue Home, Sreylen* was surrounded by care, support, and new opportunities. Her physical and emotional health improved significantly as she healed. Through regular counselling, she developed a stronger sense of self and learned healthy coping skills to manage difficult days.

Over the 18 months she spent in the Home, Sreylen* attended school and completed an introductory vocational training course in hospitality. She enjoyed the training and is now exploring other areas of interest as she continues to plan for her future.

When she reintegrated in 2025, it was clear she had built strong relationships with the other girls and house mothers. At her farewell party, she was showered with gifts—clothes, photos, a bicycle, rice, toiletries, and jewellery—amid tears, joy, and celebration. Everyone was proud of the courage and determination she showed in choosing to move forward. Together with her family and social worker, she created a reintegration plan that includes future vocational training opportunities.

Sreylen* has returned home to live with her mother and stepfather and will safely be able to visit her brother. Her parents fish for a living, though the income is irregular, and her mother has been unwell. Sreylen* wanted to return home to help her family. SHE Rescue Home has been covering her mother’s medical costs for several months and will continue this support. After spending some time at home, Sreylen* will move to Phnom Penh to live in the SHE Transition Home while she begins a traineeship.

She is happy to be home with her family and is looking forward to the next chapter in her journey. Our social workers will continue to support her and her family for the next three years—helping her gain independence, stay safe, and build a bright future. Her counsellor will also continue to walk alongside her, ensuring she has the tools to heal and thrive.

Sponsor Sreylen* today and help her realize her potential, away from the suffering of exploitation and into a future full of promise.

*names changed for privacy