Case Studies

Case 1

One of our girls originally comes from a village and her mother had two marriages. This girl's biological father is in Police Custody and her stepfather is an addict. Her stepfather attempted to rape her on 2 or 3 occasions. Because of the tensions at home, she ran away and came to Mumbai.

When she arrived in Mumbai she befriended street boys. One boy eventually became her boyfriend. On the street she had many friends from whom she would receive drugs, cigarettes, and other substances. Her habits lead her into Commercial Sex Work, which would provide Rs. 200-300 daily income. From this money she could support her addiction and living expenses, including food.

When our field worker first made contact with her, she refused to come to our Girl's Day Care Center in V.T. Despite this, our field worker continued to meet with her daily. In the meantime her boyfriend also started attending the Day Care center in Dadar. Our field worker convinced both of them to go for the programme

After some convincing she came to the Day Care Center. Eventually, she was ready to come to the Rehabilitation Center for a 2-3 month period. At the Rehabilitation Center we did her medical check-up and her report was clear. Initially she was very difficult to handle; she expressed very violent behavior, created problems, and fought with other girls. She also exhibited obsessive behavior in regards to her boyfriend and drugs. She insisted many times to speak to her boy friend even though it was not allowed in the girls Center.

Slowly, during group sessions, she began to identify with the other girls and started showing changes in her behaviour. As she slowly became comfortable we observed that she was a very sweet and loving young lady. In the Rehabilitation center she did many chores, of which she enjoyed cooking the most.

Her boyfriend also made progress at the Boys Rehabilitation Center. In fact, he completed training to become a Peer Educator with SUPPORT. When she heard that his boyfriend completed Peer Educator Training, she became very encouraged and her cooking also improved.

ight now she is employed as a cook to work in the rehabilitation project. She is friendly with the school going children and they enjoy her cooking. She is staying in our Vasai House and commutes daily with other girls.

Case 2

After this boys parents passed away, he and his sister moved in with their Aunty in Mumbai. When his aunt would go to work, no one remained at home to look after him and his sister. One day, his sister left the residence and did not return, he was left alone in the home. He felt very bored and upset and decided to leave his aunt and live on the street.

On the street he befriended other street children and learned to beg. When the field worker first encountered him, they observed that he had received little love and affection. He was brought to the rehabilitation center after the group detoxification. He moved in with his other street friends. Immediately it was observed that he was very intelligent and he excelled in many activities. In the rehabilitation programme, he was very supportive of new arrivals.

After rehabilitation he began attending school and we realised that he is very sharp and intelligent, He passed each years with excellent marks and now he is in VIII standard. His dream is to work with ABN-AMRO Bank.