Aknur* is 37 years old and was born in a small village in the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan. Her mother died when she was young, and after her father remarried, Aknur experienced severe abuse from her stepmother. Life at home became unbearable, and she eventually ran away.
When she left her village, a taxi driver brought her not to safety, but to an apartment that became her prison. There, Aknur was chained and held for five years in conditions of extreme exploitation and violence, without freedom or income. One day, risking her life, she escaped by jumping from a third-floor window and fled to Almaty.
We first met Aknur about 10 years ago. She was standing on the street looking for work to survive. At that time, she had no money, her husband had taken their child, and she was completely alone. Influenced by someone she knew, she returned to prostitution.
Over the years, it became clear that the long-term abuse Aknur endured caused deep psychological trauma. About three years ago, she gave birth to a daughter. When authorities attempted to remove the child, Aknur fought to keep her, and we supported her closely during that time. Later, when she became pregnant again, we chose to step back from direct assistance and encouraged her to enter a mother-and-child shelter. She refused and went through the pregnancy alone.
After the birth of her second child, the situation became critical. Fearing for the baby’s safety, Aknur placed her older daughter in a private orphanage for a period of time. The child has since returned, and Aknur is again seeking a long-term solution.
Aknur continues to work while raising her children. Recently, we have seen a positive change: she now has nannies caring for them.
This is a painful story of trauma and survival. Despite everything, we continue to walk alongside Aknur—staying in contact, praying with her, and showing God’s love through patience and faithfulness.
*Name changed
