In India, a groundbreaking initiative is providing hope for survivors of child sex trafficking, helping them reclaim their futures and fight against the injustices they endured. The School for Justice, launched by the anti-trafficking organization Free A Girl, is dedicated to raising awareness about child sex trafficking while offering educational opportunities to those who have escaped this harrowing life.
This unique educational program aims to equip survivors with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue law degrees, enabling them to prosecute the very traffickers who exploited them. In the past eight years, Free A Girl has successfully liberated over 4,000 girls from brothels across Asia, demonstrating their commitment to combating this grave issue.
The inaugural class of the School for Justice began in April, welcoming 19 determined women. While some have already secured university placements, others are continuing their studies for an additional year before applying. “We are focused on empowering these former victims through education, and transforming how India’s legal system addresses trafficking,” explained program founder Maria Thompson in a recent interview. Currently, fewer than 50 child prostitution cases result in convictions each year, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are approximately 20.9 million human trafficking victims, with nearly 2 million of these being children. As Sergeant Jason Carter from the Human Trafficking division in Minneapolis noted, even identifying victims is challenging due to the limited resources available for law enforcement.
In India, survivors often endure extreme physical and emotional abuse, forced into a life where they may service over 20 clients daily. Traffickers lure these women with false promises of employment or marriage, only to trap them in a cycle of exploitation.
The School for Justice covers all essential costs — tuition, housing, meals, and transportation — enabling participants to focus on their studies. The women reside together under the supervision of staff from the partner organization, Safe Haven, which specializes in rescuing girls from brothels and offering them essential support. There, they engage in English and basic law classes, preparing them for university applications. The program costs around $3,400 per student annually, and they are actively seeking donations to sustain their efforts.
Despite this opportunity for a new beginning, these women face significant societal challenges. Many struggle with the stigma attached to their past, often being viewed as willing participants rather than victims. “Every girl’s story is crucial — they were trafficked, they were sold; this was not their choice,” highlighted Thompson. “Their bravery is inspiring, and it’s essential that we amplify their voices; otherwise, change will never happen.”
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In conclusion, the School for Justice is not just about education; it’s a beacon of hope for survivors of trafficking, empowering them to reclaim their lives, pursue justice, and reshape the future.