Photographer Alex Koeleman shows in her photo series “Shelter” intrusive portraits of girls from Cambodia and the Philippines who have been sexually exploited. Now they are staying in Terre des Hommes shelters. Here, the children receive medical assistance, therapy, personal counseling and education.

As the girls must not be depicted in a recognizable way, they are wearing masks. Alex consciously chose for ‘festive’ masks as a symbol for a new, better future. Most victims prove to be surprisingly resilient in real life, and with proper assistance most of them are offered hope for a better future.