At Neavear Thmey, a World Vision trauma recovery centre, girls who have been sexually exploited are given refuge in which to heal.

Recovering from Cambodia’s Sex Trade 

"I thought I was no longer a good girl because my virginity was taken away from me."

That's how 14-year-old Din felt after she was tricked and forced into Cambodia's dark world of sexual slavery.

It was just a year ago that Din's aunt invited her to a garden party. Wearing her best clothes, Din traveled with her aunt to an isolated home. Once they arrived, she told Din to wait inside while she went to buy a few things at the market.

Din's aunt never returned. Instead, a man arrived, bound Din's hands and mouth, and raped her.

"I was imprisoned in that house," recalls Din. "The man kept doing the same thing to me every night." After being held captive for two months, Din was finally sent off with $10 to find her way home.

If you would like to help other exploited girls like Din, click here to make a contribution to the Neavear Thmey trauma recovery centre.

Cambodia's Thriving Sex Trade
In a nation where more than one-third of the people live on less than a dollar a day, selling a child into the sex trade can offer lucrative rewards for those struggling to survive. Like Din, many children have been tricked and sold into sexual slavery.

Although it is difficult to quantify, estimates show more than 80,000 women and children are involved in Cambodia's sex trade. UNICEF reports that a third of those involved in prostitution are children under 18.

World Vision Reaches Out
When World Vision began its outreach to street children in the mid-1990s, staff quickly recognized the need to shield these children from sexual exploitation—especially the girls.

In response, World Vision established Neavear Thmey, a trauma recovery centre in Phnom Penh to support girls who have been sexually abused, raped or trafficked.

The centre, which can house about 60 girls, is a hub of activity with girls taking part in activities that range from aerobics to weaving. Most girls stay in the concealed compound for six to 12 months, where they receive counselling, health care, basic education and vocational training.

In the decade since Neavear Thmey opened its doors, staff have helped more than 700 girls—ranging from age six to 18.

When Din arrived at the centre last spring, she was still recovering from both physical and emotional wounds. At the centre, she worked through her trauma, learned new skills and even discovered a passion for hairdressing.

Back to School
Last fall, Din was able to return to living with her grandparents. Due to her grandparents' meager income, however, Din could not afford to go to school. World Vision stepped in and paid for Din's school expenses so she could continue her education.

"Education is very important," Din says with gentle confidence. "We need to be educated so we don't fall into the trick."

If you would like to help other exploited girls like Din, click here to make a contribution to the Neavear Thmey trauma recovery centre.