More than they seem

Each girl that comes into the SHE Rescue Home has her own story and background. No two stories are the same.

No single story is a simple one that can be given a quick fix.

Vothana* was welcomed into the home last year as an 11 year old. Growing up in a violent home, she was sexually exploited regularly… by someone the family knows well. Now She is safe in the home and on the journey of healing from her trauma. Her future is bright. But the hurt isn’t always over the moment they walk through our doors.

Vothana’s* mother is taking the side of her perpetrator, choosing to support him through the allegations and legal matters. The mother knows the truth. Yet she still chose him. She couldn’t face telling her daughter, so Vothana* learnt of her mother’s decision through our social worker. It’s heartbreaking and shocking - how is it possible for a mother to do this to her child?

But when you take the time to look a little closer,
stories can be more complicated than they seem.

Those who are painted as villains may actually be victims themselves. It doesn’t make their behaviour excusable, but it makes their decisions understandable. The details of this story reveals that Vothana’s* mother is truly trapped between a rock and a hard place - the perpetrator is a means of financial support for her. To deny her daughter’s perpetrator means she will lose everything.

It’s an abuse of power by the perpetrator, who once again is exploiting vulnerable women around him.

Vothana’s* mother’s decision to side with the perpetrator means that reintegrating to her family is no longer a safe option for Vothana*. This complicates things for our social workers but more importantly, it’s heartbreaking for this girl, who is losing the chance to live with her family. Amidst the brokenness and mess, a child still longs to be with their mother.

Vothana’s* story is another reminder of how broken our world is, how our world is desperate for love and restoration. Our house mothers, social workers and volunteers are Vothana’s* family. They are showing this young girl what it means to be loved unconditionally and grow up in a safe and loving home.

Her situation is far from ideal, but one thing is for sure - Vothana* will never be alone. She will never feel that same rejection by her family in the SHE Rescue Home, with the opportunity to rewrite her future.