By Mercy Otieno | Head of Protection
Light at the end of the tunnel!
Did you know, human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in Kenya, and traffickers exploit Kenyans abroad?
I will never forget the day three ladies from a neighboring country were referred to HAART for care and protection after being exploited in a brothel in Nairobi for two years. The three were afraid and mistrustful of the team at the shelter. This was not surprising, they were exploited because they trusted someone. They had been promised well-paying job in Nairobi only for them to be sexually exploited. It was one of them who managed to escape and a good Samaritan escorted her to a nearby police station. They were rescued and perpetrator apprehended.
HAART exists to support such individuals; victims of human trafficking. And that’s why we ensured that the ladies felt safe and cared for while at our shelter. They received medical screening, it involved general body checkup. This was relevant as trafficking in persons is associated with severe health issues. The medical examination included but not limited to, respiratory, digestive, reproductive and checking for physical harm. After diagnosis, they victims received treatment and advice on how to manage the identified ailments. They further received psychosocial support in form of individual counselling, group counselling and the two who had severe mental health conditions received psychiatric support. As part of building their socio-economic advantage, they received skills training on a number of activities, beading, dress making and beauty therapy. This was one of their favorite activity during their stay at the shelter. Since the matter was before the court and the three were witnesses to the case, they received legal assistance from HAART’s advocate throughout the process. Psychosocial support was provided as they navigated the criminal justice system which can be traumatizing and revictimizing for individual who have suffered human trafficking. The ladies finally were repatriated to their home country and the smiles on their faces told it all.
As an organization we continue to raise awareness on the issue and protect victims of the crime through provision of holistic support. We can’t do it alone, we need people like you to support our work by donating to the cause.
Thank you for the support!
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