The story of Kejvina

Kejvina is a 25-year-old woman from a small village in Southeast Albania. Five years ago, while studying at university, she met a young man who seemed kind and trustworthy. Believing she had found love, she let him into her life.

At first, everything appeared normal. A few months later, he began introducing her to his friends, insisting there was no harm in spending time with them. But when Kejvina started to refuse, the mask he wore began to slip. What followed was a slow descent into fear and pain — he began to abuse her, not just with his hands, but with his words, his control, and his threats. He warned her that if she didn’t comply, he would traffic her and her sister out of the country.

Over the next year, her life became a prison of terror — a relentless cycle of sexual exploitation, psychological torment, and physical and sexual violence. Then, she discovered she was pregnant. Her abuser demanded she end the pregnancy, but she refused. In that moment, she chose courage over fear, even though it meant risking more violence.

Desperate, she reached out for help. A few people she knew told her about a shelter in South Albania where she could find temporary refuge. With a heart full of fear and hope, Kejvina escaped and found safety there. She stayed for three years, giving birth to a son and slowly beginning to rebuild her shattered life.

During her time at the shelter, some Christian believers shared with her about Christ, offering words of comfort and hope. After three years in hiding, Kejvina returned to her grandmother’s home in her village. She managed to find a job, though it pays very little, and she continues to struggle to support herself and her young son.

The fear hasn’t fully left her — she still worries the man who once controlled her will find her. Yet, she has taken steps toward healing. Encouraged by our Hope Center counselor, she began attending a local church and has been going regularly for the past four months. Our team supported her and the child with needs they had for food, clothes as well and medical and dental. She carries deep wounds from her past, but with continued counseling, support, and treatment, Kejvina is slowly finding her way toward safety, hope, and a future for herself and her son.