Rebuilding shattered lives
Trafficking victims, rescued by Ewa’a Shelter in Abu Dhabi, share stories with staff reporter Sarvy Geranpayeh of the horrors they endured
Human trafficking victims tell Gulf News about the horrors of life in captivity before being rescued by Ewa’a Shelter in Abu Dhabi |
The stories on these pages are about the women rescued by the Ewa’a Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking in Abu Dhabi, which is a safe haven for women who have been used and abused by human traffickers. Many of them were lured to the UAE on the promise of a decent job, others ended up in the sex trade pursuing dreams of a better job, or running away from bad employers.
“When we started eight years ago, there wasn’t enough awareness. Our team [Ewa’a] and the many other departments that are involved in this operation have worked hard to achieve what we can see today,” said Sara Shuhail, deneral director, Ewa’a.
The shelter, which was established in 2008, provides victims with therapy, rehabilitation and a safe return to their home country. Ewa’a, operating under the direction of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), also strives to raise awareness in the community about human trafficking.
Heart-breaking tales
The stories of the women are heart-rending. From being forced to indulge in unimaginably gross acts, suffering beatings to branding or tattoos on their bodies, the horrors that visit the women leaves them deeply traumatised and stripped of dignity.
“It is hard to believe that human beings can do such evil things to other humans,” said Shuhail. Despite witnessing endless heart-breaking stories, the team at Ewa’a puts emotions aside and gets on with its work of helping the victims recover and get back to some sort of normality, Shuhail said.
Even in a state of rescue, the stress for the victims is immense. On the one hand, often being the sole breadwinners for their families, their captivity hampers their communication with their dependants, who in turn are left uncertain about their survival, while on the other, having been rescued, they are embarrassed to tell their families what befell them in case they incur their wrath or are disowned by them.
An integral aspect of Ewa’a’s rehabilitative and integrative approach for the women is pivoted on a deep sense of concern for the victims’ wellbeing. Apart from reuniting them with their families, Ewa’a also helps by sending money to their home countries on the victims’ behalf.
On Ewa’a’s premises, during their stay, the women are given educational and occupational training opportunities including languages, tailoring, embroidery, computer skills and cookery. These skills are aimed at enabling the women to be gainfully employed upon returning to their native countries and thus continue to fend for themselves and their families.
Depending on each victim’s case and circumstances, the rehabilitation process and duration is different, said Shuhail. The shelter is fully supported by the government but it still relies on the public’s support.
Shuhail says the public and private organisations have been very supportive. “People donate money, clothes, perfumes, hygienic products. Some people volunteer to teach them skills, from yoga to cooking. Famous brands donate their items to be auctioned. It is all needed and welcomed.”
Any money donated or raised from their events is put into a Donations Account, which is then spent on them.
On the day Gulf News visited Ewa’a, there were about 10 victims in the house.
At first, the women were wary about the presence of strangers. However, after being reassured by the staff that we were well-intentioned, they slowly started to gather around and let down their guard.
Safe haven
Far away from the horrific days and nights they were trapped in, at Ewa’a they are recovering, healing and looking at the future with renewed hope. In between the many activities that keep them busy and gainfully engaged, they see the pieces of their shattered lives being put back together.
Some of them shared their heart-wrenching stories about how they ended up being victims of human trafficking and getting trapped in a nightmare they thought would never end.
When we started eight years ago, there wasn’t enough awareness. Our team and many other departments involved in this operation have worked hard to achieve what we can see today.” Sara Shuhail | General Director, Ewa’a