Bac’s Story
Bac's tragic story of human trafficking began when he was only two years old. Both he and his mother fell victim to a deceitful scheme that led them to be sold to China, where they endured severe abuse. The man who bought Bac's mother subjected them to ongoing torture. Bac's mother recalls a harrowing period of her life: "There were nights when I had no option but to carry my child on my back and escape into the mountains to seek safety from my abusive husband. I lived in constant fear." Following her husband's death, Bac and his mother were evicted from their home and left without a place to stay. Bac's mother resorted to scavenging and collecting scraps to make a living, while Bac took odd jobs in construction. In a foreign land, they lived in perpetual fear of deportation.
Their worst fears materialized when they were apprehended without any identification documents and handed over to Vietnamese border patrol. Lacking possessions, identification, and a clear recollection of their place of origin or relatives, the mother and son returned to Vietnam. Despite Bac being in his 40s, well into middle age, he encountered numerous daily challenges due to language barriers and health issues. Scarred by the trauma of capture, he lived in constant dread of further arrests, often refusing to leave their lodging without Hagar staff present. Struggling with limited proficiency in Vietnamese, Bac faced difficulties operating household appliances like air conditioners, electric kettles, and water heaters.
The Peace House Shelter, a division of the Central Vietnam Women's Union, referred Bac and his mother to Hagar after receiving information about their plight from Border Patrol. Hagar offered initial support, including safe housing, daily meals, and essential supplies. Beyond material assistance, Hagar's case manager coached Bac in fundamental life skills, enabling him to engage in everyday activities. In terms of health, Hagar arranged medical assessments and treatments while the case manager provided unwavering support and encouragement throughout Bac's recovery journey. On the legal front, Bac received guidance on the rights and obligations of Vietnamese citizens and assistance in acquiring identification documents.
After seven months of Hagar's dedicated support, both mother and son experienced a significant improvement in their lives. Bac's mental well-being and self-assurance in daily life significantly enhanced. He began to understand certain Vietnamese expressions and could engage in basic conversations. Under the case manager's watchful care and motivation, Bac's health showed remarkable progress. Bac and his mother's primary aspiration is for the Vietnamese government to help them secure identification documents, providing them with the stability needed to find employment and rebuild their lives in their native Vietnam. While Bac's reintegration journey continues to present challenges, his unwavering determination, combined with ongoing support, will be essential.
