At just 20 years old, Lina* dreamed of helping her family escape poverty. When a broker promised her a high-paying job in China, with travel costs covered, she eagerly agreed. Believing opportunity awaited her, Lina left Cambodia without even telling her family.

But her journey was long and unsettling.

At each border checkpoint she met suspicious strangers who guided her closer to China. By the time she arrived, Lina sensed something was terribly wrong.

Instead of a new job, she was told she had been sold into marriage. When Lina refused, her “husband” threatened that she would need to pay back the costs of her travel, money she could never afford. Trapped, Lina reluctantly married him.

Abuse and despair

Life quickly became a nightmare. Lina was forced to work in construction under harsh, unsafe conditions. Her husband beat her regularly, and the six relatives living in the household also abused her whenever she failed to meet their demands.

Even pregnancy offered no protection. Lina endured constant violence, even as she carried a child. Desperate to escape, she pleaded with her broker for help. He moved her into another home, but the “good man” promised to her was even more abusive.

Lina fled to the local police for safety—but was instead jailed for three months. Starving, humiliated, and trapped in filthy conditions, she nearly lost all hope.

Coming home

Finally, Hagar together with Cambodia’s Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSVY) intervened. Lina was repatriated and entered Hagar’s Home of Love in Phnom Penh.

Here, Lina was welcomed with warmth and dignity. She received food, clothing, medical care, legal support, and trauma-informed counseling. A caring house mother treated her like a daughter. Slowly, Lina began to feel safe again.

“When I first arrived at the Home of Love, I felt free for the first time in years. The staff cared for me, encouraged me, and gave me strength to continue living.”

— Lina

Restoring strength and dignity

As Lina healed, Hagar’s team helped her take her next steps toward independence. She joined Hagar’s economic empowerment program and trained in hairdressing. With new skills and confidence, she secured work as a hairdresser and began supporting her family financially.

Today, Lina is determined to build a brighter future—not only for herself, but for others.

“Hagar gave me courage to fight for my future. One day I want to open a salon and protect young women from being trafficked like I was.”

— Lina

Hope for tomorrow

Lina’s story is one of survival, restoration, and resilience. Once trapped in violence and exploitation, she is now free, independent, and hopeful. At the Home of Love, survivors like Lina find safety, healing, and the chance to dream again.

Read more about the Home of Love and how it restores lives in Cambodia

*name and image changed for privacy