A woman who was manipulated and tricked into traveling to the U.S. is now free from sex trafficking and physical abuse.
Kyra*, who is in her 20s, was brought to the East Coast as part of an agreement for an arranged marriage. But when she arrived in the States, she was forced into sex trafficking by her prospective husband, who also physically abused her.
Police intervened following a domestic assault but there was no further investigation into the human trafficking aspect at that point.
The case was later referred to Hope for Justice by a domestic abuse treatment center.
Our trained investigators conducted a victim-centered interview with Kyra that uncovered the suspected human trafficking. Our team then carried out an investigation and referred the case to a law enforcement contact who sits on a human trafficking taskforce.
The survivor was also referred to Hope for Justice’s social work program, RISE (Restore, Inspire, Strengthen, and Empower). This is an integrated suite of services for survivors, including trauma-informed care and support, community engagement and case management.
The difference between arranged marriage and forced marriage
Arranged marriages are rare in the United States, but some communities and religious groups do still practice them. Under an arranged marriage, both parties must consent to the union, which is typically organized by family members. It becomes a forced marriage (considered a serious human rights abuse by the United States and a specific crime in many states) if families or others not only arrange the marriage but also deny the individuals any choice about whether, when, and who to marry.
*Name and image changed to protect identity of the survivor
