Sex trafficking victim from Mumbai, India now thrives as a full-time nurse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2012

EUGENE, Ore., April 3, 2012 – Sunita was 20 years old when her mother sold her into a brothel in the red-light districts of Mumbai, India. Sadly, Sunita is one of many women with similar stories. More than 2.3 million girls and women in India are believed to be working in the sex industry against their will. India Partners is working with an organization in Mumbai to assist women like Sunita who want to exit the sex trade and relocate to safe homes where they can begin a new life.

Although bleak from the start, Sunita’s story has a happy ending. Deceived by her own family, Sunita thought she would be given a high-paying office job in the city. Soon after Sunita realized her plight, she sought a way out. Fortunately, India Partners’ collaborating agency held regular group counseling sessions near her brothel. Through their counseling, Sunita believed she could have a new life outside the red-light districts.

After being trafficked as a commercial sex worker for two months, Sunita pleaded with her pimp and asked to be released. Incredibly, the pimp set her free and she immediately contacted India Partners’ collaborating agency in Mumbai, who warmly welcomed her into a safe home where she could live and study.

At the safe homes, former commercial sex workers like Sunita receive medical and counseling services, and are enrolled in a school with a private tutor. While living at the safe house, Sunita finished her secondary education and was accepted into a nursing program. Recently, Sunita obtained a full-time job using her nursing skills and has moved to a new city with a completely new life!

For more information about how you can help women like Sunita start a new life, visit www.IndiaPartners.org, or call toll-free 1-877-87-INDIA.

About India Partners:
India Partners works alongside a broad group of indigenous, faith-based grassroots agencies in India focused on alleviating poverty and injustice. India Partners believes in helping the people of India help themselves, regardless of caste, religion, gender or creed. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change.

Contact: Kaytie Fiedler
Tel: 503.309.4217
Email Kaytie