Padma’s Story of Rescue: Be Her Ally
Padma was only 19 years old when she fell in love with a man named Vinay. Two months into their relationship, Vinay wanted to marry her, so she left her family and traveled to another city with him.
A few days after they arrived, Padma found out Vinay was married and had a child. When Padma questioned him, he abused her, broke her phone so she could not contact anyone, and posted explicit photos of her on her own social media account.
Vinay threatened to release more explicit photos and videos if she didn’t listen to him… he told her she was going to be a prostitute to earn money. Padma was brought to an agent that congratulated Vinay for bringing him a “good girl.” To avoid frequent raids by law enforcement in the red light area, the agent recommended that Padma service customers in a hotel nearby.
Padma experienced abuse and exploitation that no person should ever have to experience. She was isolated and lost hope.
But hope still exists—our partner, Freedom Firm, heard about Padma's situation and began searching for her. A lead from an informant took them to an apartment building where Padma might be hidden. A neighbor told the rescue team that a man on the first floor locked his wife in the room while he went to work.
The Freedom Firm team assembled and waited in a nearby restaurant for Vinay to show up. Hours later, he entered the apartment building, and the team jumped into action. When they knocked on the door, behind Vinay was a young woman beaten and bruised… it was Padma. Law enforcement arrested Vinay and rescued Padma.
Padma is now safe and going through the restoration journey with a social worker at Freedom Firm. She just celebrated her 20th birthday, and is FREE.
*name changed to protect identity