The Case of Evangeline
HopeNow brings the story of Evangeline. She has been trafficked into prostitution in Denmark. The names of the women are fictional, but their stories are genuine. We have been given their permission to tell their stories.
Evangeline’s story:
When I was just seven years old, tragedy struck my life as I lost both my mother and father. Left in the care of my angry aunt, my existence mirrored that of Cinderella. From a young age, I toiled away for 16 long hours each day, carrying water, washing clothes, cleaning the house, and selling fruit at the market. I endured relentless abuse, as I faced beatings almost every day.
As I turned sixteen, my aunt proposed a glimmer of hope for a better future. She suggested that I venture to Europe, where I could secure a good job and an education. Believing this to be my chance at a brighter destiny, I eagerly welcomed the opportunity to escape my cruel aunt. Travelling through treacherous lands and waters, I witnessed horrifying scenes, including the drowning of many innocent souls.
By the time I reached Spain at the age of eighteen, my dreams of a better life were shattered within days. Coerced into working the streets as a prostitute, I was trapped in a nightmarish existence. My "Madame," who referred to herself as my aunt, claimed I owed her 50,000 euros for transportation and paperwork fees. Living in perpetual fear, my life became an agonizing ordeal.
In 2008, I was trafficked to Denmark under false pretences of earning more money at a faster pace. In Denmark, my encounter with the police would change my life forever. I was sexually assaulted by a client who even attempted to end my life. Fortunately, one of the police officers showed me kindness and connected me with an organization called HopeNow.
Seeking asylum in Denmark, I initially concealed the true identity of my trafficker. However, as I gradually placed my trust in HopeNow and the police, the truth finally emerged. Although my initial application for a residence permit was denied, HopeNow and my lawyer tirelessly fought for my case, ultimately achieving a victorious outcome.
Looking ahead, my hope is that more women will find the courage to come forward and report their traffickers to the police despite the inherent difficulties. In Denmark, the fear looms large that one may be sent back and face the threat of death at the hands of their traffickers, even after testifying against them. Nonetheless, I am a testament to the fact that justice can prevail, and I fervently wish for a future where every victim finds safety and freedom from the traffickers.
Follow-up:
Fortunately, with the help of a skilled lawyer from HopeNow, Evangeline was granted asylum in Denmark. The lawyer appealed her case, highlighting the imminent danger she would face if she were sent back to Africa. Throughout their integration in Denmark, HopeNow served as a crucial support system and a key point of contact for trafficked women.