The Sun House's Fulcrum

To help victims regain the light of life, the province has built an effective support network for victims. In particular, the Anh Duong House (Provincial Social Work Center) has long been a support point for restoring the body, spirit and dignity of many women and children who have fallen into the dark areas of life.

The Fates That Were Saved

In December 2021, the provincial Social Work Center received a girl around 30 years old, discovered by the Bac Son Border Guard Station wandering on the Mong Cai border belt road. She did not remember her name, had no papers, and was not accompanied by anyone. All that remained were bewildered eyes and a nearly frozen mental state.

Human trafficking victims take shelter at the Sunshine House in Quang Ninh . Photo: Quang Ninh Provincial Social Work Center

Through many verification efforts and a sudden call from a person claiming to be her biological father, the girl's identity was identified as DTL, born in 1999, from Dak Lak province (name and address of the character have been changed), lured away from home at the age of 13 and missing for nearly 10 years.

At the Sunshine House, Ms. DTL received medical care, psychological counseling, adequate nutrition, and gradually recovered her memory. Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, her family could not come to pick her up, so the Center contacted the Blue Dragon Organization to support her return to her hometown. From an anonymous and deeply traumatized person, she found her name and returned to her family after 10 years of being missing in an emotional outburst.

Ms. BTH, from Thanh Hoa (name and address have been changed), was also a victim of human trafficking to China in 2016. After many years as the wife of a Chinese man, suffering both physical and mental abuse, she was rescued and returned to Vietnam in 2021 in an exhausted state.

Introduced to the Sunshine House, Ms. BTH was initially almost silent, shy of contact, and always on the defensive. However, with the persistence of the social workers, she received psychological treatment, health check-ups, life skills training, and career orientation. Thanks to the Center's connections, she has a stable job at a local handicraft establishment.

“I used to think I was an extra person in this world. But the ladies and gentlemen at the Sunshine House did not look at me with pity, they listened to me as a valuable person. Now I have friends, a job, and most of all, I know I deserve to live happily,” Ms. BTH shared with tears in her eyes.

“The Door to Rebirth” for Victims

The Anh Duong House has the function of receiving, caring for, supporting and protecting vulnerable people: victims of human trafficking, gender-based violence, abused children, etc. This is not just a temporary shelter, the House is designed as a special home. Here, victims are urgently received, assessed for needs, provided with accommodation, food, clothing, medical support, legal support and psychological rehabilitation. When necessary, they are connected to medical facilities, education, police or social organizations to ensure comprehensive support.

The joy of the victim when meeting his relatives again after many years. Photo: Provincial Social Work Center

Every year, this place receives many cases with special circumstances, mainly women and children returning from China or suffering from domestic violence. With a team of well-trained staff, closely coordinating with police, border guards, health, justice and non-governmental organizations such as Blue Dragon..., the closed support model has shown remarkable effectiveness. From 2016 to present, Sunshine House has received and provided full services: Health, legal, psychological counseling, community reintegration support... for 245 victims of human trafficking.

Mr. Tran Manh Hung, Director of the Provincial Social Work Center, said: "We not only receive and protect them, but also accompany them to gradually reintegrate into the community. There are many difficulties, both in terms of human resources, funding and psychological barriers from the victims, but what makes us persevere is their positive changes every day. From silent fear to smiling again, for us that is the greatest reward."

In the fight against human trafficking, places like Ánh Dương House are quietly shining a light. From the dedication of each staff member, effective inter-sectoral coordination, to methodical intervention models, all have helped each unfortunate life have the opportunity to continue living with dignity and love.

Nguyen Chien

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/diem-tua-ngoi-nha-anh-duong-3368912.html