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Newest pilot project celebrates its first 5 rescues!

Four children, ages 13-16, have been rescued from sexual exploitation and abuse in our newest project in Africa. The seven-year-old sibling of one survivor was rescued preemptively.

All five children have joined our community care program. They will receive individualized freedom plans, health checks and counseling as they begin their path to freedom.

New projects start in a pilot phase, allowing us to take the first steps of rescue, learn more about the dynamics of sexual exploitation in the region and adapt our programs to the specific needs of survivors.

This new project is located on the edge of a slum in a large city and is staffed by local professionals ready to find and rescue children from the darkest of circumstances. We are incredibly honored to be able to rescue children in this new region and continue alongside them on their journey to stay free over the next months.

48 girls rescued in Uganda

The survivors, ages 14 to 17, have all joined our community care program.

As they begin their time in our program, survivors will receive a health check. They will also receive a welcome gift: three dresses of their choice. Some girls only have clothing associated with their former life of exploitation, so donning a new outfit carries a special meaning.

Next steps for the survivors will include attending Empower trauma rehabilitation classes and receiving individual counseling. We are so excited to watch these children take their first steps into their bright new futures.

9 children rescued in Southeast Asia

Rescue efforts in three countries in Southeast Asia rescued nine children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

In Cambodia, a 16-year-old girl was rescued from the sex industry and joined our community care program.

Two young boys and a 15-year-old girl were rescued in Thailand in operations alongside law enforcement.

Five girls, ages 12 to 17, were rescued from the sex industry in another country in Southeast Asia.

18 rescued in Nepal

18 girls and young women were rescued at the Nepal border.

All of them were being lured out of the country with promises of marriage or a job and had been instructed to lie if questioned at the border. Our agents interviewed each one as she attempted to leave the country and their relentless pursuit of the truth rescued the girls and women, ages 16 to 33, from human trafficking.

Because of the great shame and stigma associated with being a trafficking victim, none of the survivors pressed charges against their trafficker.

Three girls rescued in Uganda

All three, ages 15 and 17, have joined our community care program in Uganda.

The girls will begin their time in our program by receiving a medical checkup. While in our community care program, the survivors will live in their familiar home environment and attend classes and counseling multiple times per week with our caring staff.