Houy (not her real name), a Cambodian mother of three, turned to overseas work after illness, family breakdown and the pandemic left her without income. Promised a legal job in Singapore, she instead became a victim of trafficking, with her passport confiscated and forced labour imposed in a locked flat in Malaysia. Facing harsh conditions, poor health and constant fear, she endured exploitation while clinging to hope for her children. A brief chance to access a phone allowed her to send her location to her family, who sought help. Through coordinated action by IJM and the Cambodian authorities, she was identified as a trafficking victim and safely returned home. Reunited with her children, Houy has begun rebuilding her life with support, starting a small mushroom business. Her story highlights both the devastating reality of trafficking and the life-restoring impact of timely intervention.