Salam’s Triumph Over Trauma
Introduction: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) referred a case of a kidnapped boy named Salam to Terre des hommes Foundation (Tdh). Salam had been kidnapped and held for ransom for several months before being released in exchange for BDT 150 thousand. Both the child and his caregiver were deeply traumatized by the incident, and Salam was displaying abnormal behavior and signs of fear. In response to this distressing situation, Tdh provided comprehensive support to the child and his family. The assistance included psychological first aid, one-on-one counseling, legal assistance, and mental health and psychosocial support.
Background: Salam’s kidnapping had a severe impact on his mental and emotional well-being. The traumatic experience left him in a state of fear, constantly worried about the possibility of being kidnapped again. His caregiver was equally traumatized and was struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Tdh took on the responsibility of providing support to both Salam and his family. The primary objective was to assist them in their recovery process and help them regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Approach: Tdh’s case management team adopted a comprehensive approach to ensure that the child and his family received the necessary support. In coordination with Site Management Services (SMS) and Camp in Charge (CiC) the team conducted a security assessment. The assessment aimed to identify potential risks and threats to the child and his family’s safety, enabling Tdh to implement appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. The team also provided psychological first aid to help the child and his caregiver cope with the trauma. Tdh’s case management team facilitated referrals for the child and their family to access legal services and guiding them through the legal procedures associated with the kidnapping. In addition, the team provided mental health and psychosocial support to the child and his caregiver to enable them to overcome the trauma and regain their resilience.
Outcome: Through Tdh’s comprehensive approach, Salam and his family were able to successfully overcome the trauma caused by the kidnapping. With the necessary support in place, Salam’s behavior returned to normal, and he no longer lived in fear of another kidnapping. His caregiver received the necessary support to cope with the aftermath of the incident. The Child’s Mother expressed her gratitude towards Tdh stating that Tdh stood by her side as a trusted ally, providing invaluable support. She emphasized the profound sense of reassurance she felt due to the presence and assistance of Tdh’s dedicated Case Management Officer.
Tdh’s case management team maintained regular contact with Salam and his family, ensuring continuous support to help them in their journey of rebuilding their lives. The dedicated case management officers were instrumental in providing necessary assistance throughout this process. As a result of the ongoing support, Salam was able to resume attending school, allowing him to actively engage in learning and recreational activities regularly. According to the child, he is currently experiencing a significantly improved state compared to before. He happily shared he has recently enrolled in both a Learning Center and a Multi-Purpose Center. He joyfully emphasized that he now enjoys regular interactions and playtime with his friends.
