Minea was the youngest child of a poor family in Phnom Penh. Her parents separated, and her mother worked as a cleaner at a construction company to support the family until her health failed. Minea quit school in seventh grade to work at a garment factory where her sister was also employed.
In June 2018, Minea was approached by a broker who promised her family a USD$3,000 dowry in exchange for a marriage to a wealthy Chinese man. But this did not happen. Instead, Minea was sold into slavery by the broker to not one, but three different Chinese men. Throughout this time she was physically abused, forced to have sex with the men, and she was starved.
“My life was dark and painful. They treated me as a slave, not a human being.” – Minea
After managing to escape, she was arrested by the Cambodian police as an illegal immigrant and sent to a detention centre for four months. Minea was referred to Hagar by the Ministry of Social Affairs after her release.
Hagar’s “Home of Love” provided Minea with a safe haven where she could recover. She received medical treatment and help to reconnect with her family while still in Hagar’s care.
Minea regained trust and love for others while at the “Home of Love,” and she became a strong person who wanted a brighter future and to see justice served.
Hagar’s legal team assisted her in filing a complaint against the broker who had sold her several times in China. In July 2022, the broker was arrested for trafficking and drug dealing.
Hagar’s legal team helped Minea prepare for the trial, which resulted in a seven-year prison sentence for the broker on January 19, 2023. Another perpetrator was also sentenced to ten years (the shorter sentence for the broker was due to pregnancy).
“My mother and sister are very happy that I got justice. Words cannot describe how I feel and to thanks Hagar for supporting us… I got justice and I believe they will not have a chance to hurt other young women again.” Minea
Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for each of its clients. To protect the identity of our clients, names have been changed and images do not necessarily represent the individual profiled.
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By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
