Justice rarely arrives quickly and it is rarely simple. For survivors of trafficking, especially children, the journey toward safety, healing, and justice requires time, care, and courage.

Recently in Thailand, that courage prevailed.

A trafficker who preyed on 14 girls through online grooming tactics was sentenced to 84 years in prison and ordered to compensate each survivor. It was a landmark ruling, and one that sends a powerful message: children deserve protection, and those who exploit them will be held accountable.

This victory began long before the courtroom. It began with steady and trauma-informed work that helps survivors heal enough to confidently share their stories.

What Happened

Months ago, Hagar’s team investigated an online sex trafficking case. Like many modern trafficking cases, this one began online. The perpetrator used social media to connect with the girls, offered gifts, and promises of opportunity. Once trust was established, the abuse escalated. The girls were manipulated, threatened, and exploited.

Hagar’s frontline team supported law enforcement to remove the girls from harm and provided trauma-informed care and legal support for each survivor.

The Healing Journey That Makes Justice Possible

For children who have endured exploitation, recovery cannot be rushed. Trauma impacts memory, confidence, communication, and the ability to stand firm in the face of pressure. That’s why Hagar’s model is built on trauma-informed, long-term care, the kind that restores dignity and supports justice.

With the steadfast support of our donors, Hagar’s team in Thailand provided:

Trauma-Informed Counseling

Therapists worked patiently with each girl to process trauma and fear and rebuild their confidence.

Legal Guidance and Court Preparation

Hagar’s legal specialists walked each survivor through the justice process step by step, supporting them to provide powerful victim testimonies.

Meticulous Evidence Gathering

Frontline staff worked with law enforcement to collect evidence and build a case strong enough to withstand scrutiny.

The Day Justice Was Served

When the judge issued the verdict, the perpetrator was sentenced to 84 years in prison. Each survivor was awarded compensation for the crimes committed against them and to help rebuild their lives. This ruling was a powerful message to traffickers that online trafficking is a crime.

The Girls’ Lives Today

Justice is a a critical part of the healing journey. Today, each survivor continues to receive ongoing support from Hagar, including counseling, long-term case management, and community reintegration support.

Each girl is rebuilding her future one step at a time.

Why This Story Matters

Online exploitation is rising around the world and traffickers are adapting quickly. But together, we can find children and women who are being exploited, support survivors to justice and restoration, and prevent abuse before it starts.