Bharati’s story of hopelessness to HOPE!

Bharati* just 13 years old… is one of five young children in a migrant family living in Bangalore. A neighbour informed our team of their concerns for this family. During the strict Covid-19 lockdown they reported not seeing the children as frequently.

Eventually they saw one of the young girls heavily pregnant and hiding the fact when she approached them crying and requesting help.

The Freedom Project reported the incident to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and our team conducted a preliminary enquiry into Bharati’s case. Bharati’s ‘father’ and ‘mother’ appeared to be alcoholics and the neighbours informed us that they would send all the children and Bharati out to beg on the streets.

Our team asked Bharati’s ‘parents’ for her ID but we were informed that she had no papers. We were able to make the assessment that she was only 13 years old.

There was no doubt that she was 6 months pregnant (from a rape) and had not visited any doctor for a check-up.

When The Freedom Project is notified of suspected cases of child abuse we report these and journey alongside the minor to ensure their safety and well being.

After our investigation, Bharati was rescued two days later.

Once she received proper care, our team reported she was looking “happy and healthy” and doing well.

The Freedom Project team saw Bharati after her delivery and thank God, she had a natural delivery and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Although she appeared weak, she was delighted to have given birth and told the staff that she loved her baby and wanted to keep her.

Like Bharati, there are many young girls who quietly suffer rape, abuse and the loss of innocence at the hands of exploiters. Most of these stories go unreported and the cycle of abuse continues.

The Freedom Project works tirelessly to free women and children who have been enslaved; whether this be from an abuser under their own roof, or from the perpetrators of human trafficking.

Please head to our donate page if your would like to support our work.

*Bharati’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

Bharati* pictured with her new born baby