a young girl lived with harm inside her own home. What she experienced quietly shaped how she saw herself and the world around her. She grew up carrying guilt and shame she did not cause, believing she was damaged and undeserving of care, and this created distance between her and her mother at a time when she needed connection most.

When she was connected to Hagar Vietnam, the first priority was her safety and stability. She received specialist medical care in Hanoi and was placed in safe accommodation through a Peace House partner while her treatment continued. At the same time, Hagar supported both her and her mother through legal procedures, connecting them with lawyers and helping her understand and participate in a process designed to protect her rights.

Healing took time.

Alongside education support, Hagar provided intensive psychological counselling that helped her slowly challenge negative beliefs about herself, set healthy boundaries, and understand that what happened did not define her value. Over more than four years, she rebuilt her confidence, formed positive relationships at school, and reached a deeply meaningful milestone by reconnecting with her mother with trust and understanding.

Her hard work showed in her studies, where she became a top student for three consecutive years. Although she was accepted into medical college, she chose a more realistic path for her family’s situation and enrolled in professional training at KOTO, a social enterprise where she is developing both professional and social skills. She has now completed her first semester of the two year programme and is working toward a bigger dream of studying in Australia to advance her future in hospitality and food and beverage.

With long term support from Hagar and its donors, she has rebuilt her sense of self worth, regained hope, and allowed herself to dream again. Her journey shows that healing becomes possible when survivors are kept safe, listened to, and supported for as long as it takes.