A Very Distressing Visit with Hema

Previous photo of Hema when she testified in court

In another two months, Hema will be a mother. She has been attending regular prenatal visits as well as taking calcium tablets. She is still estranged from her husband of a few months, and refuses to return home. When social worker Bharti visited Hema, she encouraged and counselled her to return home and work things out with her husband. Hema is adamant to stay away from him.  

After a little digging, Bharti learned that Hema went to visit her ex-boyfriend and trafficker, Vishal in jail along with his mother. This family has been after Hema for months to help Vishal receive bail so he can be released and come home. It seems all their pressure has worn Hema down and thoroughly confused her. Vishal, who sexually exploited Hema and made money out of her by forcing her to have sex with customers has now promised to marry Hema as soon as he is out of jail (even though Hema is already married to another man).

Since Bharti was not able to make any dent in Hema's resolve, she asked Hema if she would be open to talking to a family counsellor to help her sort out her mind and heart. She agreed halfheartedly. 

Bharti went to meet the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and submitted Hema's documents for her to receive compensation through a government scheme. The DLSA will proceed with the application after verifying all the information which would take anywhere between 3-4 months.

We will continue to counsel Hema and do all we can to help her onto a healthy path. We have seen breakthrough in her life before and earnestly hope to once again.