Paloma*'s Story
Paloma* was 12 years old when she encountered the work of IJM for the first time. Raised in poverty in Bolivia, Paloma was forced into prostitution by a woman who threatened Paloma’s family, and then eluded justice when Paloma was finally able to escape her confinement. IJM tried to help Paloma and her mother pursue justice at that time, but Bolivia’s court system did not allow them to go far.
Just months after her escape from prostitution, Paloma was re-ensnared by traffickers and forced to work as a child prostitute again. But IJM was there. Alvaro*, an IJM investigator, identified her and then worked to help rescue Paloma along with other victims.
Paloma (left) and a friend who was rescued with her, in a safe house before being reunited with their families.
Paloma received after-care counseling and vocational training from IJM. She calls her experience with IJM a miracle. “Sometimes the work here at IJM is draining – but when I can make the difference in just one life, like Paloma’s, it’s all worth it to me,” says Alvaro. One life at a time, IJM is making a difference in Bolivia.
+ For a more detailed account of Paloma's rescue, click here to download the July 2010 issue of "From the Field".
Just months after her escape from prostitution, Paloma was re-ensnared by traffickers and forced to work as a child prostitute again. But IJM was there. Alvaro*, an IJM investigator, identified her and then worked to help rescue Paloma along with other victims.
Paloma (left) and a friend who was rescued with her, in a safe house before being reunited with their families.
Paloma received after-care counseling and vocational training from IJM. She calls her experience with IJM a miracle. “Sometimes the work here at IJM is draining – but when I can make the difference in just one life, like Paloma’s, it’s all worth it to me,” says Alvaro. One life at a time, IJM is making a difference in Bolivia.
+ For a more detailed account of Paloma's rescue, click here to download the July 2010 issue of "From the Field".
Though Paloma still experiences the effects of poverty and the wounds left by prostitution, she says that her life is better in every way. In March of 2010, she began a six-month program of counselling and job-training with one of IJM Bolivia’s aftercare partners. She is going to obtain her high school diploma. Paloma wants to become a lawyer so that she can fight for others whose rights have been violated.
In His Own Words
Impunity won't persist
"Those who abuse their power – police included – will have to give answer for what they have taken."