Having endured domestic sexual abuse by her brother for many years, Grace* ran away from home at the age of 13. She met a seemingly kind stranger who offered her a job. Hoping to find freedom and a fresh start, Grace took shelter from this new friend. She never could have imagined that this woman would become her trafficker.

Grace was forced to work in a Ugandan brothel and described her experience in captivity as a “jungle” where she “always felt lost.”

Grace was eventually rescued by Ugandan police who brought her to Willow’s aftercare program. Today, she lives in one of our homes where she is receiving the care she needs to heal from her traumatic childhood. Through Willow’s education funding, Grace can attend vocational school to prepare for her future by learning a trade she enjoys. With support from our staff and other children with shared experiences of abuse, Grace is learning to laugh, dance, and play again. She has hope for tomorrow.

A brothel is no place for a child, and no child should ever have to endure what Grace did. Willow will keep advocating for children like Grace to ensure young victims are identified, rescued, and provided with the aftercare they deserve.

*Pseudonym to protect survivor’s identity.