John,

Online sexual exploitation of children was a problem long before the pandemic, but it grew exponentially during the lockdown era when online use skyrocketed. It continues to grow today. Rescue can't come soon enough for the little ones trapped by this horrifying crime. You can help send that rescue today!

Cassie* was 12 when a family friend lured her to Manila. “He told me that he can help me reach all of my dreams," she remembers, and at first she enjoyed the big city and nice clothes. Then the abuse began.

“I was thinking, ‘I want to die. I want to die because of this pain, but I can’t,’” Cassie says. “He hurt me every day. It felt very lonely for me because I was very far from my family and I couldn't tell them what happened to me because I was very scared.”

Because online sexual exploitation takes place behind closed doors, the abuse is often hidden. But when you support IJM's rescue efforts, John, you show that you’re determined to help find these children and pursue justice for their suffering.

The generosity of people like you meant, after IJM heard about the abuse, we could coordinate with local authorities to help set Cassie and five other children free.

After nearly five years of abuse, Cassie was placed in a safe, professional aftercare home by IJM and local partners. “When they rescued us, it made me heal all the pain,” Cassie explains. “In [the aftercare home] I realize everything, that you don't have to lose hope. If I see or if I hear there is a victim of human trafficking like us, I just want to comfort her, help her to move forward and just fight for your rights, because that's where I stand now.”

Please support IJM and help send rescue and restoration to children facing violence and abuse like Cassie. Today, Cassie raises awareness about trafficking in schools in the Philippines and was even a featured speaker at a large women's conference in the United States. Fully restored, Cassie recently graduated from university with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management!

John, your support helps send rescue to children suffering from daily violence and moves us closer, day by day, to our mission of protecting half a billion people by 2030.

Please help make 2024 a year of freedom by making a generous gift today!

Until all are free,

Sharon Cohn Wu
Regional President, IJM North America