WARNING: Explicit story content

Five years ago, 17-year-old Mona traveled to Jahanabad to help her pregnant sister with household work. When it was time for her to return home, she boarded a train. During the journey, a woman lured her to another city and sold her to a man named Ishwar. He and his gang raped Mona, and then they brought in customers for her to service. If she refused, they beat her and put drugs in her food to make her more compliant. She refused one time too many, and they cut off her hand and threatened to kill her if she didn’t cooperate. She was trapped.

Then a Justice Ventures India informant found out about Mona and shared the information with Duncan Hospital staff. After verifying the situation, Duncan staff formed a plan with the police. A team of officers rescued Mona and arrested Ishwar and others. Now that Mona’s terrifying ordeal is over, she has a chance to start a new life. Unfortunately, stories like this happen all over India, and rescuing victims and helping them heal takes significant effort from those who care. EHA staff are willing to get involved and do what it takes to rescue victims of trafficking.