Right now, sex offenders around the world – including in Canada – are exploiting children without even leaving their homes.
According to the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council, since 2015, Canada has consistently ranked 4th, following the U.S., U.K. and Australia in international payments sent to the Philippines that were flagged for online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC).
In the Philippines, IJM works with local authorities to hold criminals accountable for exploiting children and protect children from being abused in the first place. Around the world, the Centre to End OSEC partners with NGOs, governments and industries to expose and stop this crime.
Change is not only possible, it’s happening from the ground up.
We’ve curated a collection of resources designed to deepen your understanding of IJM’s work in the fight against OSEC and bring your family, friends and community into this global movement to end this crime in our lifetime.
How to rally your community to join the fight against the online sexual exploitation of children
Discussing the online sexual exploitation of children with friends and family is essential for raising awareness and rallying support. Here are some sensitive and thoughtful approaches you can take:
Start with empathy: Begin by acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic. Let your friends and family know why you’re sharing this information and why this matters to you. Encourage anyone hearing about OSEC for the first time to be intentional in processing what they learned.
Educate and share resources: Share factual information about the online child sexual exploitation. Share findings from IJM's Scale of Harm study to illustrate the severity of the issue while emphasizing that these are real children facing unimaginable situations. Encourage them to learn more and stay informed. Knowledge empowers people to take meaningful action.
Share survivor stories:Share stories of rescue and restorations that celebrate victories while acknowledging the ongoing need and urgency.
Emphasize the need for collective action: The online sexual exploitation of children is not just happening in the Philippines. Countries around the world - including Canada are responsible for the demand. OSEC is a global issue that requires everyone’s commitment to protect children.
Invite them to take action: Rally your friends and family by suggesting concrete steps they can take. This could include supporting organizations like IJM, attending our events, spreading awareness with their community or organizing a fundraiser.
Be patient: Understand that not everyone will respond immediately or passionately. Some may need time to process the information. Be patient, and respect their feelings and boundaries.
Be encouraged: IJM, alongside with many partners and global organizations, are working tirelessly to end this crime. We are fully confident that we will see a time when children in the Philippines are protected from OSEC.
This rapidly growing crime of online sexual exploitation destroys the lives of innocent children. It is happening and not just in the Philippines. We do not have time to waste. We must help. We must act, and now is the time.
- Ruby*, Survivor leader
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