What is online sex trafficking of children?

​Mike: Cybersex trafficking is a type of sex trafficking that was unimaginable before the digital age. Suddenly, children are exposed to a global web of predators.

Mike: Cybersex trafficking is the live-streaming sexual exploitation of children viewed over the internet. Pedophiles and predators anywhere in the world can now search online and wire a secure payment to an adult who sets up the show. Boys and girls—some under 2 years old—are abused or forced to perform sex acts in front of a webcam. The more abusive the show, the more the customer pays.

Joanna: Unlike bars or brothels with a permanent address, cybersex trafficking victims can be moved to and abused in any location with an internet connection and a webcam, or just a mobile phone. Cybersex trafficking has become a terrifying cottage industry with high profit margins.

Mike: The Philippines receives thousands of reports of online child exploitation every month.

Joanna: 48% of cybersex trafficking victims rescued by the International Justice Mission and local authorities have been 12 years old or younger.

​Mike: The youngest victim rescued by IJM and local authorities has been a 2-month-old baby.

Joanna: As parents, we are totally heartbroken by the reality of this crime. But we are seeing hope. And we are very thankful. We can’t express our gratitude enough for a group that is in the frontlines of rescuing these children. 

This group is called the International Justice Mission or IJM. 

Mike: After learning a lot about the crime that they’re fighting, the excellent work they’ve done so far, the very bold mission they have, and the loving culture they build within and effectively in the areas they work in - we felt the need to tell you, our family and friends about them.

Mike: IJM is working with Philippine authorities and foreign law enforcement to protect children in the Philippines, but also to develop a replicable model that can stop cybersex trafficking from spreading globally.

Joanna: They’ve been doing an incredible job in the Philippines since 2016. They’ve led the rescue of 551 children from cybersex trafficking. Through their hardwork, 232 Criminals have been restrained from setting up and profiting from the sexual exploitation of children via the internet. And, with their help, 7000 government officials and community members have been trained to protect children from cybersex trafficking

Cassie is one of the many children rescued from the trade who is now on her journey to a life of freedom. She says, “If I would see or hear there is a victim of human trafficking, like us, I just want to comfort her. Help her to move forward because that’s the start, where I stand now.”

Mike: And we hope and pray that all other children who are being kept in the dark will have that same sense of hope as Cassie. That’s why we’re sharing this message with you. We have so much to be thankful for, and so much to give - more than what we think. And with your financial support, IJM can do more rescues to bring these children out from the dark. Click the link on our bio to give now. Thank you!

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