Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most dangerous places for women in all of Latin America. Children, especially girls, are vulnerable to violence. Sexual predators go unrestrained, with only 6% of reported cases of sexual violence eventually reaching a verdict.¹
When predators know that if they assault or rape a child they are unlikely to face any consequence whatsoever, sexual violence becomes a relentless, everyday threat for children.
When we first began working in Guatemala, expert friends in the human rights community cautioned us that the justice system was too broken to ever change—that our mission would be impossible. But, alongside our government partners, we are proving every day that change is possible for children in Guatemala.
¹International Justice Mission. “Study of the Guatemalan Criminal Justice System, Cases of Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents.” (2013).
Rescue Victims
When children are at risk of further abuse, we partner with the Public Ministry, Child Welfare Agency, National Civil Police and other agencies to get them to safety.
Bring Criminals to Justice
With the National Civil Police and other authorities, we help locate and arrest suspects, and partner with government prosecutors to ensure that perpetrators are convicted.
Restore Survivors
We provide trauma-focused therapy for children who have survived sexual violence. We make sure families have the support they need for children to heal in a stable environment, including support groups, education assistance and more.
Strengthen Justice Systems
We have launched a System Reform project with Guatemalan authorities designed to substantially improve the way the justice system deters child sexual assault and how law enforcement and courts respond to child victims.
Our Progress
Our Team in Guatemala