It’s hard to imagine facing horrific violence at age 13, much less find the courage to overcome it.
But that is Kanya’s (not her real name) story.
Kanya was kidnapped and raped by a worker on her father’s farm. The young man locked her in a room and took away her cell phone. Kanya was utterly alone.
After several weeks of abuse, Kanya discovered she was pregnant. Only a child herself, Kanya carried the weight of motherhood alone. She had to get out.
Five months pregnant, Kanya escaped.
She made it back to her family and explained what had happened. Kanya's parents were horrified and wanted justice for their daughter. With the help of their pastor and IJM, Kanya and her parents pressed charges against her abuser.
When the man offered her money to return to his home, she said “I don’t want your money, I want a new life.”
Against all odds, Kanya’s abuser was convicted for his crimes.
Today, Kanya is home with her son and attending school with dreams of becoming a clothing designer.
She recently shared with us, “For my life, I now have new power, and I can see sunshine again. I say ‘thank you God, for a new life for me.”
Because of your gifts, Kanya is safe. But many girls are still in desperate need of a new life. A life free from sexual violence.
IJM - International Justice Mission
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