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School for Justice Empowers Survivors of Sex Trafficking to Pursue Legal Careers
In India, a transformative initiative has emerged to assist survivors of child sex trafficking in reclaiming their lives and seeking justice. The School for Justice, established in April by the anti-trafficking organization Free A Girl, focuses on raising awareness about the egregious issue of child sex trafficking while providing educational opportunities and financial support for those who have escaped this harrowing experience. This educational institution aims to equip women with the necessary skills to attend university and eventually obtain law degrees, empowering them to prosecute the traffickers who exploited them.
Over the past eight years, Free A Girl has successfully facilitated the release of over 4,000 girls from brothels across Asia. The inaugural class of the School for Justice welcomed 19 women, some of whom have already gained admission to university, while others will continue their studies for another year before applying. The initiative seeks to not only empower former victims through education but also to reform how India’s legal system addresses trafficking, as noted by Free A Girl founder, Maya Verma, in a recent interview with a prominent publication.
Statistics reveal a grim reality; fewer than 50 cases of child prostitution result in convictions annually. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are a staggering 20.9 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, with hundreds of thousands within the United States alone. When considering international trafficking victims, the number of child victims escalates to nearly 2 million each year. According to law enforcement officials, the lack of resources hampers effective responses to trafficking cases.
In India, survivors often endure unimaginable hardships, being coerced into serving multiple clients daily while facing severe physical and psychological abuse. Traffickers frequently exploit the victims’ hopes for employment or marriage, only to force them into lives of prostitution.
The School for Justice offers comprehensive support, covering tuition, housing, meals, and transportation for students pursuing their degrees. Participants reside in a communal house managed by Sanlaap, a partner organization dedicated to rescuing girls from brothels and ensuring their education. The curriculum includes English and basic law classes, along with assistance in applying to universities. The program costs approximately $3,400 per student annually, and the organization is actively seeking donors to sustain its operations in the future.
Despite the opportunities afforded to them, these women encounter significant obstacles, including societal stigma and the trauma of their pasts. Many are rejected by their families and face misconceptions that label them as willing participants rather than victims. It is crucial to recognize that they deserve a chance at a life of dignity and choice. “The narratives of every girl in our program are vital—they were trafficked, sold, and had no say in their circumstances,” emphasized Verma. “Their courage is inspiring, and it is essential for their voices to be heard to drive change.”
In conclusion, the School for Justice exemplifies a powerful model for transforming the lives of sex trafficking survivors into advocates for justice. By investing in education and legal training, this initiative not only empowers individuals but also aims to reshape societal perceptions and legal frameworks surrounding trafficking.
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