International Justice Mission

This Thanksgiving, we're offering you more than just our gratitude! ?? Thanks to your partnership, IJM and its partners were able to free 10,379 children, women, and men from trafficking and violence last year. They can now share meals, create memories and enjoy the company of loved ones in safety and freedom. To help spark meaningful conversations around your dinner table, we’ve created the 2024 Thanksgiving Conversation Cards! Inside, you’ll find 16 unique cards designed to inspire laughter and connection. Want to receive your copy? ?? Download here: https://lnkd.in/gzf4bHUM

The U.S. ranks first in money transfers to the Philippines, flagged as suspicious transactions for child sexual exploitation and abuse, according to the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council. Today, IJM's Center to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children expert David Ruggiero, CAMS, CFE, presented at the “Out of the Shadows: A Virtual Event Surrounding Topics Related to Combatting and Preventing OCSE”, a financial sector conference, hosted by FINTRAC Canada | CANAFE Canada and Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. To protect children from such exploitation, private sector efforts are pivotal in gaining timely intelligence on suspected traffickers, supporting law enforcement intervention, and preventing abuse. It is crucial to expedite detecting, reporting, and blocking of suspicious financial transactions.

“She’s like a seed that grows up to be a beautiful flower,” says Jenette, Joy’s* IJM social worker.” ?? The pain in Joy’s past has been no match for her resilience. After she was rescued, Joy lived in a local short-term government shelter and participated in IJM’s aftercare program. During this time, she was committed to her recovery, restoration and education. While in university, Joy shared that she had the opportunity to hear the stories of other women who had been abused and how they courageously persevered to achieve their dreams against all odds. “I am inspired by the social workers who don’t stop helping survivors like me. I am so inspired by how they try to be strong for the clients they serve.” Stand with Joy. Stand for justice. Help provide restoration to survivors like Joy. https://ow.ly/QePJ50U8kXQ *A pseudonym has been used and images have been obscured for the protection of this IJM survivor

What Joy* didn’t know was that people were looking for her. IJM’s team in Cebu had been training Philippine law enforcement for moments like this one. During the rescue, Joy was afraid that she was in trouble for what her aunt made her do. She thought for a moment that she might be arrested. However, IJM’s social workers explained why they were there—she was not in trouble, her aunt was arrested and Joy was free from abuse. Thanks to supporters like you, and with the help of IJM’s lawyers and aftercare workers, Joy found the courage to testify in court. Despite facing threats, and harassment from her aunt, and being the only survivor willing to testify, Joy remained steadfast. “Seeking justice for me is very important. It’s like freeing the hearts of those being victimized. I wanted to seek justice not just for myself but for all the others whom she victimized.” Join Joy and stand for justice. ? Go to https://ow.ly/5QR850U8kCH. *a pseudonym, subjects depicted are not survivors of OSEC

Joy* was eight years old when her family experienced financial strain causing her parents to work abroad. She was left moving from home to home, separated from her siblings and living with any relative who would take her in. A distant aunt preyed on her vulnerability and lured Joy and other children into her home where they were sexually exploited in front of a camera, their abuse streamed online to paying customers worldwide. Joy’s abuse is horrific, and not unique. Online sexual exploitation of children is a global crime — requiring a relentless global response. A response that could help end trafficking in our lifetime. Join the fight and help free children suffering sexual exploitation today: https://ow.ly/85f250Ubl1G ?? *A pseudonym and subjects depicted are not survivors of OSEC

These numbers must drive us to do something. And we at International Justice Mission are choosing to act and the result is a significant reduction of violence in areas where we work. ?? Pampanga, Philippines: 85% ?? Cebu, Philippines: 72% ?? Dominican Republic: 78% But we can’t do it alone. Together, we can end child exploitation. Join us: https://ow.ly/Btij50U8hgJ

“I’m here because this abuse needs to stop, but I can't do it alone." ?? Stand with Joy*. Stand for justice. Together, we can end child exploitation. Donate today to help free girls like Joy: https://ow.ly/K11t50U4M9R #UntilAllAreFree #Endhumantrafficking #Protectkidsonline

STAND premieres tomorrow, November 13, at 12PM EST. Check back here to hear Joy's* story. ??? *A pseudonym Survivors are portrayed by actors

Join us as we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence! We're hiring a visionary Global Director of Operations Technologies to drive innovation, streamline processes, and shape the future of our operational excellence. Lead our mission to protect the world’s most vulnerable by optimizing operational systems and championing digital innovation. If you’re a strategic leader ready to make a difference, apply now to join IJM in advancing global safety and justice. ?? https://ow.ly/35SU50U2LoS

In a recent Fast Company article, IJM's John Tanagho states that it is possible to address child exploitation online while preserving user privacy. In fact, we must do so to protect children. "With an estimated 300 million children impacted by online child sexual exploitation, laws are clearly needed to address this avalanche of abuse." Click to read more and learn about John's recommendations: https://ow.ly/JAMI50U3z0q