USAID Initiative Offers Hope for Victim of Trafficking
Irina, a young woman from a small village in northern Moldova, recently returned home after four years abroad as a victim of human trafficking. Deceived by the promise of a decent job, Irina was forced into prostitution in Portugal, then enslaved in one of Dubai’s major brothels where she was confined after giving birth to a child fathered by a “dedicated” client until a local NGO helped her return with her one-year-old son.
When Irina left her village at age 19, her situation was typical of many in Moldova. She lived in a small village with her family and little hope of gainful employment. Like others, she was attracted to the promise of work abroad. Encouraged by her boyfriend, Irina registered to work as a waitress in Portugal, where she hoped to earn a good living. Travel expenses were to be covered by intermediaries and subtracted from future earnings. But once Irina arrived in Portugal, she was forced into prostitution to repay her “debt.” It was immediately clear that survival depended upon her silent obedience. Today, at 23, she has lived through one of the most horrific experiences imaginable.
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| Anti-Trafficking Photo |
Not long after Irina was reunited with her family back in Moldova, her mother took her to the USAID Regional Support Center for women at risk and former victims of trafficking. The Center psychologist quickly identified that she was suffering from post-traumatic distress disorder. Using its nationwide network of referral services, the Center referred her to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Rehabilitation Center where she is receiving comprehensive rehabilitation and medical assistance.
After her stay at the Rehabilitation Center, Irina plans to return to her village and utilize the USAID Regional Support Center for vocational courses, employment and entrepreneurship trainings, assistance with job placement, internship programs, and referral services. She also intends to share her experiences with other young women through the USAID Anti-Trafficking Initiative. Thanks to a combination of intervention services, Irina now has a much brighter future for herself and her son.
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