Keilin in Guatemala

Keilin* had a happy childhood with her mum until she was five. However, when her father came into their lives, everything changed. A joyous occasion turned into terror as he began to abuse his daughter. Feeling like she had nowhere to go and no one to turn to, Keilin suffered in silence for nearly a decade.

Eventually, at the age of 14, she found the strength to confide in her friends and mother. Her mother went to the police, and they arrested Keilin's father. The Escuintla Justice Center, operated by Kids Alive Guatemala, took on the case. In the meantime, Keilin was placed in the Oasis Residential Care Centre, where she found solace in accepting Jesus into her life, which helped her overcome fear and self-loathing.

Courageously, Keilin testified in court against her father, who was ultimately sentenced to 42 years in prison. Today, Keilin and her mum are doing great, living without fear and violence.

*Name changed for privacy