VHAT started working on the issue of child trafficking and violence against children from 2003. They were initially involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration and medical help for the victim children under their Childline activities. Childline is a nation-wide round-the-clock free phone emergency service for children in difficult circumstances. Children from poverty-stricken areas forced into child labour by their parents or due to their abandonment by their parents are often exposed to violent situations and abuse and in many cases become victims of human trafficking, especially underage girls, across the border to Bangladesh.

In April 2005, VHAT started “Anwesha” Child Protection Center, in Agartala, Tripura, a shelter home funded by the Childine India Foundation. From supporting 50 children at a time initially, it has now grown to accommodate 50 more children. The new and expanded center called "Unmesh"( meaning "sprouting of new life"), also provides basic health care, education, life-skills and vocational training to help the children integrate seamlessly into the society when they grow up.