Maarko* was a 7-year-old boy sexually abused on live internet video—a crime called online sexual exploitation of children.
He dreamed of being like his hero Superman, but had no way out. Maarko was rescued through the efforts of IJM and his abusers have been prosecuted.
Gowri wanted to support her children and pay their bills, so she took out a loan from a crooked factory owner.
It was a trap. The owner continually increased the loan and violently forced her family to continue working for him. After nearly 10 years, IJM was able to help rescue her.
Cassie* is a brave girl who was repeatedly abused and raped for an online audience.
Today Cassie* lives a life of freedom and restoration in the Philippines. But for nearly five years, she was exploited for an online audience.
Elsa* was deceived and forced into a life of prostitution.
After losing her parents at 12 years old, Elsa was determined to find work and support her brothers. A local bar owner offered her a job, but it was a lie. For years, she faced countless nights of sexual exploitation. But now, Elsa is safe.
Slavery is Prevalent Across the World
IJM is the largest anti-slavery organization in the world.
Slavery goes beyond just bad working conditions. People trapped in slavery face physical, verbal and sexual abuse daily, and cannot leave to find other work or protect their families. In IJM's cases, we have met survivors who report being beaten, gang-raped, locked in tiny rooms, starved and even forced to witness murder.
Internet
Brick Kilns
Brothels
Fishing Boats
Tree Cutting Facilities
Quarries and Mines
All around the world, people are trapped in slavery, taken by powerful oppressors who believe that making money matters more than a person’s life. Driven by greed and overlooked by their local legal system, these criminals steal human beings and intimidate them until they feel too small to fight back. We believe the slave owners shouldn’t be allowed to win.
International Justice Mission is a group of advocates, donors, investigators, social workers, lawyers and government leaders who are executing a proven plan that will disrupt and stop the modern slave trade in its tracks.
With your help, we can hold slave owners and traffickers accountable, rescue survivors, and prove to the world every human life matters.
