THE PROBLEM
Online Sexual Exploitation of Children
Children are sexually abused by traffickers who livestream the abuse to customers from anywhere in the world willing to pay and direct the sexual abuse. Together, we can stop it.
Today, online sexual exploitation of children is on the rise. Online predators send payments in exchange for live streaming the sexual abuse of children. It includes creating, possessing or distributing child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) like photos and videos. 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. The median age of children rescued is 11 years. The youngest victim IJM helped rescued was only two months old.
- Foreign child sex offenders: Offenders who pay for and direct the abuse from anywhere in the world. Australians are the third-highest customers in both volume and value of OSEC-related transactions to the Philippines.
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 organisations that provide aftercare for child survivors.
Our Response
CENTER TO END ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN
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 catalyse a global movement to end the demand for online sexual exploitation of children and build safe communities where children thrive.
Together with our partners, we:
Our Results
IJM PHILIPPINES
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 2024).
VICTIMS
RESTORED
PERPETRATORS
CONVICTED
SURVIVORS
RESTORED
SUSPECTS
ARRESTED
MEET AARON
Aaron’s* abuse was livestreamed through a screen just like this one.
Aaron was only two years old when he was rescued from online sexual exploitation in Cebu, Philippines. After the rescue, Aaron was brought to an Assessment Centre, where he was provided with trauma-informed services including therapeutic interventions. Lucille, Director of IJM Cebu, described Aaron as tiny and fragile – longing to be held and cared for.
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