A very distressing visit with Hema

Hema (in blue) with the counselor

In another two months, Hema will be a mother. She has been going for regular prenatal check ups as well as taking calcium tablets. She is still estranged from her husband of a few months, and refuses to go back home. When Social worker Bharti visited Hema, she cajoled and counselled her to return home and work things out. Hema is adamant to stay away.  

A little digging revealed 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 get bail so he could be released and come home. It seems all their pressure has worn Hema down and thoroughly confused her.  Vishal who sexually exploited her 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.