Beyond Brothels

Last July I journeyed to Cambodia to work along side Somaly Mam, a Cambodian anti-trafficking advocate who focuses primarily on sex trafficking. Her non profit organisation, Acting for Women in Distressing Situations ( known by its French acronym Afesip) is dedicated to the eradication of modern day slavery and the empowerment and rehabilitation of its survivors. Every day I listened to horrific stories from girls as young as four years old. They spoke of being sold, raped, beaten, starved, denied any form of hygiene/healthy living conditions, refused fresh water, and administered electric shocks at any sign of disobedience. Victims are bound in silence and threatened with death if they speak out or attempt escape. This is the G-rated version of describing the horrors these girls have endured. It's a completely different ball game once you visit the brothels, hospitals, lawyers and sit with them personally as they describe their living nightmares. This experience pushed me to my emotional limits and many times I thought I could not continue to work, but then I too would become another person who turns a blind eye to the reality of human trafficking. This experience was so eye opening that I'm heading back and bringing my side kick and partner in crime Jake ! Jake and I are seeking to raise a minimum of $2500.00 to provide 52 girls 5 psychology sessions, as well as purchasing basic hygiene and sanitary packs for the centre and brothels in Phnom Penh. Together we seek to provide each girl a package containing soap, deodorant, shampoo, sanitary napkins, toothpaste and a few girly treats!! Every dollar you pledge means more than you could ever imagine and will be making a massive impact to provide love and light to some of the most abused, oppressed and disadvantaged women and children in the world.