Nam Fon* was living with her grandparents in a rural part of Southeast Asia when, at just 12 years old, a man in her village abused her. But before her grandparents could go to the police, the man from the village approached them with an offer: 30,000 Baht (about $925 USD), in exchange for their silence. They accepted. 

The injustice didn’t end there. Nam Fon’s abuser forced her to move in with him and work for him as his maid, making her young life even more of a nightmare. 

This kind of story was not unheard of in Nam Fon’s world. Her mother was trapped in sex trafficking, which was why she lived with her grandparents in the first place–a common reality for children of victims. And yet, everything Nam Fon knew that her situation was wrong. Despite what her grandparents or abuser might say, she knew her worth could not be reduced to 30,000 Baht. She believed she deserved justice. And thankfully, she found others who believed the same when she came under the care of an Atlas Free Network Member in Thailand.

With only a sixth-grade education, Nam Fon was too old for the regular school system, but she didn’t let that stop her. With the help of the Atlas Free Network Member, she pursued non-formal education and vocational training to discover her interests and rebuild her life. 

Now, Nam Fon is pursuing her education and plans to continue her studies in cooking and nutrition while working in a restaurant. Her dream? To become a chef and bring happiness to others through her cooking. Nam Fon’s resilience proves that nothing can stop her. 

You can help girls like Nam Fon find healing and freedom. Give monthly to support Atlas Free’s mission to end sex trafficking around the world.

‍*Name changed to protect the identity of the survivor.