TheQuint@10: Sold, Rescued, Stigmatized—Survivors of Trafficking Speak
A glimpse into our powerful documentaries that have shaped conversations over the years.
(Trigger Warning: This newsletter contains references to child trafficking, sexual violence, and abuse.)
Dear Reader,
Some days ago, Mumbai Police revealed that between 2018 and 2024, they rescued 894 women from brothels—44 of them were minors. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a grim reality that continues across India, with traffickers preying on the most vulnerable.
West Bengal, particularly the Sundarbans, has long been a hotspot. The region’s frequent cyclones and economic hardships leave many with no choice but to trust the false promises of traffickers—who offer jobs, security, and a way out. Instead, many young girls are sold into brothels, silenced, and brutalized.
Our documentary "Rise: Tales of Sundarbans' Trafficking Survivors" follows women who lived through this nightmare. These aren’t their real names, because speaking out puts them in danger.
Rehmat* was just 10 when a distant relative lured her away with food, drugged her, and put her on a train to Delhi. She woke up locked inside a brothel. If she cried or resisted, she was beaten.
Rohima* was kidnapped while returning from school. She lost consciousness inside a car and woke up at Pune railway station, where she was handed over to a brothel owner. She was only 13 when she was forced to see her first customer. When she resisted, they drugged her, tied her up, and continued the abuse.
Survivors like them rarely find justice. Police often dismiss trafficking cases as "elopements." Medical exams aren’t always conducted. Many women are pressured into silence, especially when their traffickers are from their own villages. And even when they escape, society doesn’t always welcome them back.
But they fight back. With the support of organizations like GGBK, survivors have formed ‘Bandhanmukti,’ a self-help collective that fights for justice and dignity. Rohima* is now one of its leaders, helping others stand on their own feet, push back against stigma, and demand punishment for their traffickers.
These stories aren’t just about suffering—they are about resilience. And they need to be heard.
Over the years, The Quint has challenged conventions and highlighted urgent matters with such documentaries. To explore more, CLICK HERE.
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Thanks,
ZIJAH SHERWANI
Creative Director
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