FROM TRAUMA TO MOTHERHOOD: HEALTH CARE IN THE SANCTUARY
No two iSanctuary women are alike, including their unique needs when it comes to health care. For survivors of human trafficking, health care consists of physical, mental, and emotional components, and requires consistent long-term, quality care. It is necessary to focus on immediate physical needs resulting from trauma, but counseling and addressing emotional wounds is a long process which requires patience and stability. In the Sanctuary, we aim for personalized health care which meets each young woman’s unique needs.
This year, the Mumbai Sanctuary is walking through a new chapter: pregnancy and motherhood. In just a few short weeks, Ana* is having a baby! For a young woman who has experienced trauma and abuse, pregnancy explores the limits of physical, mental, and emotional health. From doctor’s visits discussing the physical development of the baby, to processing the emotional shift to caring for another life, pregnancy tests what it means to be fully healthy.
Community support is central to the development of each young woman’s personal health. Staff accompany participants’ doctor visits to ensure the best care is being provided. Each week, iSanctuary staff discuss with Ana how her baby is growing, the importance of nutrition, and provides space for the emotional processing for how she and her husband will care for their child. Like other first-time moms, Ana dreams of her baby’s future and is learning how to make the best choices for her child.
The Academy will provide specific care for each young woman in the Sanctuary through addressing physical and mental health needs, as well as fostering the vital trait of knowing one’s inherent value, that each young woman is worthy of quality medical care, loving community support, and bright futures. It is our desire that each program participant comes to believe in their value as a woman and learns to live according to this truth.
We have reached 75% of our goal to raise $35,000 this July for The Academy!Will you join us in meeting our goal with a gift supporting healthy young women in the Sanctuary?
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