Used to the city’s most noisy and difficult place- the wholesale market since childhood, Binh forged herself to be tough, resilient and independent to survive in a harsh environment. But no matter how strong her voice was, her sound was mute at home. In her house, nothing could be heard except her husband’s cursing, shouting and beatings.
Binh had interacted with Hagar before and after receiving support and advice, she thought she would find peace in her life. However, life never got any easier for her- the domestic violence only got worse. Wiping blood from her head, the bold red colour reminded her she needed help.
Instinctively, she rushed to Hagar to find a way to end the abuse she was experiencing. Thanks to her case manager, she gained more knowledge about the cycle of violence, trauma and consequences to better understand the man she was trapped with. Throughout the process, her case manager always respected and listened to her feelings and decisions.
Thanks to Hagar’s advice, Binh understood the risks and established a safety plan for her and her two children. Understanding the cycle of violence, Binh realised that she would forever be caught in the emotional and physical torture of her husband if she did not break it and step out by herself. With Hagar’s legal counselling, Binh was empowered to build her inner resources and determined to separate from her husband. The decision was not easy but essential for her at the time. After the separation, the violence stopped following her and ruining her life.
“Without Hagar, I would be stuck forever and not strong enough to find a way out. Thank you Hagar for supporting and helping me for a long time.”
However, taking care of her children alone, Binh felt the economic burden on her shoulders. Hagar understood that financial security would play an important role in building a stable and safe life for Binh and her children and assisted them in this area.
From being a transporter, making handmade food, serving at restaurants and cleaning the house, there seemed to be no labour work Binh had not done before. Through various jobs, she gained the experience and skills she needed to open a shrimp stall at the market.
Selling food in the market gave her an unstable income- some days there was profit, some days a loss. Despite that, she was determined to maintain her responsibility of taking care of her children. Seeing her children having a good meal and going to school motivated her to wake up every morning and go to work.
“Now I can cover my family’s living expenses by myself. I feel independent and can take control of my own life. I am no longer reliant on or suppressed by anyone. Therefore, from my experience I encourage anyone who is experiencing the same thing to contact Hagar for help so they too can earn the freedom and independence, just like I did.”
Safety is something no one can guarantee forever, but Hagar’s support is always open and ready. Binh knows she is always safe with Hagar by her side.
