31 children rescued in Uganda and on their paths to freedom

31 girls ages 14 to 17 have been rescued from sexual exploitation and joined our community care programs in Uganda.

A major vulnerability shared by survivors in Uganda is an unstable home. It is not uncommon for a survivor to pass through numerous living situations involving different or absent guardians.

Of the 31 children rescued, only one child lived with both parents, and eight lived with a single parent. The rest were being cared for by relatives or lived on their own.

Our programs after rescue focus on a child’s unique situation to help her stay free. Our caseworkers and counselors might focus on repairing and strengthening strained family relationships. Older survivors are also able to learn vocational skills or do training on the job so they can afford rent with safe roommates.

Rescue Update Archive

9 Children Freed from Abusers and Traffickers

Nine children are finally safe after suffering sexual abuse or exploitation in the Dominican Republic.

Rescue agents helped our partners in law enforcement rescue one boy and one girl from sexual exploitation. The other seven children, including one 4-year-old, were all rescued from sex abuse situations as part of raid operations with police. All the children are now home safe.

15-year-old girl rescued in the Dominican Republic

A mother found out her daughter was being exploited for sex

Earlier this year, a mother in the Dominican Republic made a discovery so startling that she felt compelled to go straight to the police. Her 15-year-old daughter was in possession of something she shouldn’t have had. But it wasn’t alcohol or drugs or a gun that raised red flags for this concerned mom. It was money. Too much money. She knew her school-aged daughter didn’t get the money from her and had no way to earn that much on her own. Fearing the worst, she asked her daughter about it. The child’s answer confirmed her fears: a grown man had been paying her daughter for sex. Extra money—along with reclusive behavior, unexplained gifts and personality changes—is one of the signs that a child might be experiencing exploitation. Because this mother recognized the signs, she was able to ask for help before the predator could draw the girl away from her family.

Destiny Rescue agents helped authorities track down and arrest the predator so that he can’t exploit children anymore. The survivor, safe from his influence and abuse, is recovering with her family.

9 People Rescued in Zimbabwe

7 girls and 2 young women are free from sexual exploitation in Zimbabwe.

Desperation destroys choice: The children and two 18-year-olds had all been forced to sell themselves to survive. Now things are different.

All the survivors have entered our Community Care Program, where they’ll be equipped for independence and healing. Our caseworkers help the survivors move past their trauma while also addressing the vulnerabilities that led to their exploitation. Join us in celebrating their freedom!

28 Rescued from Traffickers in Nepal

Border agents rescued 28 people, 17 of whom were children, from traffickers attempting to lure them out of the country.

Traffickers often target struggling Nepali citizens by making false job offers through social media sites. Once out of the country, the victims are then trapped in forced labor or brothels. Thankfully, these survivors will not be among them.

29 Kids Free from Sexual Exploitation

Twenty-nine children in Uganda, along with one young adult, no longer have to sell themselves to survive.

All of these survivors were forced to sell their bodies just to make enough money to buy food or necessities. All the children were enrolled in our care post-rescue, where they’ll begin their journey toward freedom safely.