Lua’s Story

Through her business, Lua got to know people from different walks of life. One day, as she was sharing her hopes and dreams with a customer, they struck up a conversation and Lua learnt of work opportunities in the UK where she could earn more money. Lua was very interested to further their chat and she eventually agreed to work in the UK.

It would turn out to be Lua’s darkest nightmare.

When Lua landed, she was held against her will and imprisoned by her traffickers. Lua was maliciously starved, robbed of dignity, and forced to work on a cannabis farm in deplorable conditions. If she didn’t meet the traffickers’ expectations, she was brutally beaten. She endured her captors’ inhumane treatment for six more years.

At long last, a window of opportunity opened. With incredible courage, Lua broke out of her captivity to seek help nearby. She was soon freed, but deep physical and psychological wounds had been inflicted. Her health was deteriorating and a medical examination revealed a fatty tumour growing in her right arm. The constant fear she had been living with for the past six years had taken a toll and the anxiety and uncertainty of the future after having escaped began to mix as reality began to weigh down on Lua.

Thankfully, Salvation Army UK connected her to Hagar Vietnam for support. Upon entering Hagar’s Whole Journey Programme, Lua immediately received psychological first aid and support. The Hagar staff cared for Lua and provided her with much guidance and legal support as she prepared to return to Vietnam from the UK. The process was very overwhelming for Lua as she had absolutely no idea how to get back to Vietnam.

When Hagar staff met Lua in transit during her trip back home, Lua had this to say:

“I can see more challenges ahead in my return journey home… but I can’t wait a day longer to reunite with my mum and daughter. I’ve missed countless precious family events when I was gone, and I won’t miss my child’s next milestone again. I am so thankful to have Hagar by my side through this time to help me. I trust Hagar like I would a family member and I feel both encouraged and motivated to move on with my life.”

“I am deeply touched and happy as Hagar always listens and empathises with my story.”