The Problem

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Children are sexually abused by traffickers who live-stream the abuse to customers from anywhere in the world willing to pay and direct the sexual abuse from their own homes. Together, we can stop it.

Today, online sexual exploitation of children is on the rise. Online predators send payments in exchange for streaming the live, sexual abuse of children. It includes creating, possessing or distributing child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) like photos and videos. MAKE NO MISTAKE. This isn't the simple exchange of explicit images. Girls and boys are forced to perform sex acts on themselves or each other, are abused by an adult or are exploited in other violent ways. A typical case involves:

Child sex traffickers: CSEM producers who abuse children in person for online streaming

Child victims: Usually the trafficker's child, nephew, niece or neighbour

Foreign child sex offenders: Offenders anywhere in the world who pay for and direct the abuse

ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN REMAINS LARGELY UNDETECTED AND UNDERREPORTED

Our Solution

End Violence by Ending Impunity

When violent offenders are held accountable for their crimes, we know the abuse of children who are vulnerable is significantly reduced—we’ve seen it.

Together, we’re strengthening justice systems to combat this crime by training law enforcement, public prosecutors, judges and partner organizations that provide aftercare for child survivors—setting a global standard of excellence in combatting this crime.

Our 20-Year Partnership with Philippine Law Enforcement

Together with Philippine authorities, we work to hold criminals accountable for exploiting children and protect children from being abused in the first place. By doing so, we are building communities where all children can expect to be safe and protected.

IJM-supported operations of online sexual exploitation of children (as of July 2021)

828

Victims
Rescued

122

Perpetrators
Convicted

194

Survivors
Restored

293

Suspects
Arrested

We partner with NGOs, governments and industries to expose and stop online sexual exploitation of children around the world.

We combat livestreamed child sexual abuse that uses globally accessible technology and financial platforms, targets people vulnerable to this crime and involves remote offenders who can be anywhere in the world.

The Center helps catalyze a global movement to end the demand for online sexual exploitation of children and build safe communities where children thrive.

Improve detection and reporting within technology and financial sector platforms.

Strengthen international collaboration in law enforcement and prosecution.

Support effective justice system responses in source and demand-side countries.

FEATURED PUBLICATION

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines:
Analysis and Recommendations for Governments, Industry, and Civil Society

Learn more

Meet Aaron

Aaron's abuse was livestreamed through a screen just like this one.

When he was rescued, Aaron* was tiny and fragile. He longed to be held and cared for. He was only two. Because of people like you, IJM was able to play a pivotal role in the investigation of Aaron's case and push forward the rescue operation which finally freed him.

Today, Aaron is safe in a loving foster home and receiving ongoing trauma therapy. His foster parents shared, "Aaron says that we are his home, and this is where he feels safest."

read aaron's story

Help Survivors of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Together, we can protect children vulnerable to this crime so that they are never abused in the first place. Will you send rescue and protection until every child is safe?

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Learn more about our Casework

Violence Against Women and Children

Women and children are particularly vulnerable to violence when no laws are enforced to protect them.

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Domestic Violence

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Sexual Violence

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Slavery

Millions of men, women and children are trapped in modern-day slavery around the world.

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Police Abuse of Power

When police are free to misuse their power, vulnerable people are the ones who suffer from their violent actions and false accusations.

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go to our work

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Our Solution

End Violence by Ending Impunity