Heartbroken but Hopeful for Hema

Bharti talks with Hema (right)

Hema was rescued from a hotel in Akola, Maharashtra, last June. Ever since, social worker Bharti has visited Hema and her family regularly. Initially, Hema kept trying to bail out her trafficker boyfriend, who was arrested during her rescue. But after several months of counseling, Hema finally understood that Vishwas exploited her, and she told Bharti she wanted to testify against him in court. Vishwas' family contacted Hema several times, threatening her to withdraw her case, at which point Hema asked Bharti to accompany her to the police station with her, where Hema filed a complaint against Vishwas' family.

A few months ago, Hema turned eighteen, and her father arranged her marriage. A few months later, she discovered she was pregnant.

We continued to follow up with Hema, and last month, Bharti accompanied her to the Bombay High Court, where she responded to the hotel owner's (also named an accused in her case) bail application. Hema told the lawyers representing her that the accused should not be granted bail.

But last week, Bharti called Hema, and things had changed: Hema had moved back into her father's house after conflict with her husband. Apparently, someone had told Hema's husband about Vishwas and how he was waiting for Hema to bail him out of jail. Hema also learned that her husband was involved with a girl before they got married, and the couple had a major fight over their former partners. Distraught and emotional, Hema returned to her father's house.

While in a vulnerable state, Hema received a call from Vishwas' mother, who begged her to save her son by not testifying against him. Hema, who was previously resolved in her decision to see the men who exploited her behind bars, has been feeling guilty. She told us she is considering withdrawing her testimony so that Vishwas can receive bail and can return to his family.

A survivor’s healing journey is often complex and takes unexpected turns. We are heartbroken for Hema, but we have not given up hope; our team continues to encourage Hema to advocate for herself by taking a strong stand against her exploiters. Bharti continues to visit and stay in close touch with Hema.

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