Girls have the right to a life of dignity, respect and worth. However, hundreds of girls, including minors are denied basic human rights and sexually exploited every single day across the country.

VIHAAN in collaboration with the state police in West Bengal rescued five minor girls and supported with an arrest of four people. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under the child protection laws.

Each of these girls has a story to tell, as tragic as it is, but it is not a unique tale – a promise of a better life with job prospects to support their families. When VIHAAN’s team met them, there was so much fright and anxiousness in their eyes instead of the child’s innocence and happiness. 

These young girls belong to poor economic backgrounds, and two of them come from single-parent households. They met with traffickers knowing that they were made false promises of employment with an attractive wage. Once they met, they found themselves held captive and forced to have sex with men in exchange for money. 

They are rescued now, but the damage inflicted upon them through sexual exploitation is immeasurable. Their journey has just begun.

We, VIHAAN, have hope. With the right support, they will regain the strength to push through the odds. From counselling to education and legal advice to skill development and employment opportunities, VIHAAN will stand with them and equip them to lead a life of dignity, respect and worth.