How could a parent sell their child?

Human trafficking exists in many insidious forms.

In the past 13 years, we have seen so many families coerced into human trafficking through debt bondage. Cambodians are often preyed upon by unregulated lenders, who trap them into generational debt that’s impossible to escape. Loans start small to cover emergencies like medical bills or funerals but with exorbitant interest charged every month. With most Cambodian earning around $1 – 5 day, they are unable to pay off the interest accumulated and the debt grows exponentially. 

In many cases, families are lied to and manipulated by these lenders, who claim that their daughters can work legitimately to pay off this accrued family debt. The girls are then sold into sex trafficking for a period of time to repay part of the loan or to other nefarious businesses. These businesses are extremely dangerous and exploitative. Establishments like restaurants, salons and karaoke bars are often a front for brothels that traffic young girls.

Rina’s* Story

Rina* was only 15 years old when she came to live in the SHE Rescue Home. After she left school in eighth grade, she began working at a restaurant to help her support her family. Her boss began to force her into debt by claiming she owed money for uniforms, washing, broken dishes and more and more items. Eventually he claimed Rina* owed $16,000 and forced her to labor for long hours with no pay and to do whatever customers asked of her. Her mother became concerned when she hadn’t heard from her and debt collectors started turning up at the family home as well seeing if she had other children who could help work off the dept. Her mother called the police and Rina* was rescued from her perpetrators.

Many Cambodian girls like Rina* are highly vulnerable to being exploited and trafficked through debt bondage. Poverty is a driving force behind debt-based coercion and many victims and their families experience stigma in the form of blame or shaming. We have heard people ask us ‘how could a parent sell their child?’ But it is rarely the truth, most of the time it is debt-bondage and the families are never in control to make a choice. The stigma, judgement and lack of awareness about the exploitation of impoverished families enables these abusers to continue their exploitation of young girls and their families.

Many young girls in the region are economically disadvantaged, but have so much potential – they just need a little help!

Rina’s* story is one of healing and restoration. After she arrived at the SHE Rescue Home, she was able to start vocational training and could explore her interests and skills. She enjoys cooking and she plans to continue her training and turn it into a career.

Rina* went from being in an oppressive environment to a supportive one and continues to learn from the women around her. When survivors of debt bondage and human trafficking are given the adequate support and resources, they and their families can have a brighter future, free of exploitation, abuse, and fear.

An easy way to start is by informing yourself and people in your life about the reality of debt-bondage. There are countless Rina’s* in Cambodia and around the world that need support. The more people are educated about the specific ways traffickers and predatory lenders prey on vulnerable families, the more we can do to combat them and advocate for young girls who are at risk. Donating and volunteering with the SHE Rescue Home, makes a massive impact for girls like Rina* and enables them to thrive.