HELP: Human trafficking survivor in Martindale needs your assistance

Phoenix House Addiction Rehabilitation Centre in Martindale is urging the community to help them raise funds for a young woman who survived human trafficking.

The organisation hopes to raise at least R10 000 to assist the 22-year-old woman, who is now in a 21-day rehab programme.

Outpatient co-ordinator for Phoenix House, Roberto Ferreira said those wanting to help were not just limited to donating money as people can also give toiletries, clothing or even an opportunity to study a short course.

“It would really help our lady get a full chance at reintegrating back into society,” said Ferreira.

This is the first person the organisation has encountered who was trafficked.

“A partner of ours in Pretoria found her on the streets and once they found out what the story was with her, they called us to find out if we could assist her with primary care,” explained Ferreira.

He added that after hearing the nature of the request they decided to do their best to assist the woman and also call for the community to help.

“When a member of our community reaches out for help, it is up to us, both as a treatment centre and as community members to assist those that want and also need the help.”

He said addiction was a serious epidemic in our communities and crimes stem from this, adding that it was important that community members looked out for each other in the spirit of ubuntu.

Referring to human trafficking, Ferreira said perpetrators would exploit people with an addiction problem for their own personal benefit with no regard for the law or for the victim.

“We can only beat this together, otherwise we are fighting a losing battle.

Ferreira concluded with the hope that the community would get more involved in cases such as these.

Details: Phoenix House Addiction Rehabilitation Centre 011 673 0400.

Become a member of our WhatsApp community by sending your name and surname to 079 439 5345.