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Client Stories

Since International Justice Mission was founded in 1997, IJM has helped to rescue thousands of people suffering from violent injustice. Here are a few stories of the impact made possible by the generosity of IJM supporters:

Modern-Day Slavery

Sandana* and her sister Geetika proudly display drawings they've created. They are now in school.

Abuse:

IJM investigators in India learn of a rice mill that was holding dozens of men, women, and children in slavery. The slave owner was especially brutal — frequently beating the slaves and sexually assaulting the women.

Rescue:

IJM worked with local authorities to rescue the slaves from the mill — but the workers were so terrified of the slave owner that they would not testify against him. The rescue efforts were in jeopardy until a 12-year-old girl, Sandana spoke up about the abuse at the rice mill. Her honest testimony moved the judge, and as a result, today all the slaves in the case are free.

Sex-Trafficking

Rescued through IJM intervention before being abused, Panida* is now back in school.

Abuse:

Panida's father had passed away and her mother was stricken with AIDS. At 14 years old, she was desperate for work and accepted an offer of employment in the city. It was a trap. The person who offered her the job sold Panida to a brothel.

Rescue:

Based on its undercover investigation, IJM provided evidence to local authorities, prompting them to raid the brothel where Panida was held captive. As Panida waited in terror for her first customer, IJM showed up with local authorities to rescue her along with 95 other sex trafficking victims. Panida is now back with her mother, and IJM is ensuring her continued education.

Sexual Violence

Conchita's* abuser is taken into custody by Guatemala police as a result of IJM's investigation.

Abuse:

Conchita, a 10-year-old girl in Guatemala, was befriended and then sexually assaulted by a sex tourist from Ireland.

Rescue:

IJM staff worked relentlessly to secure the arrest and conviction of the sex tourist, who was surprised that this little girl had a powerful advocate on her side. Conchita is now receiving care through IJM's aftercare program and is thriving in school.

Theft of Land From Orphans and Widows

With her vegetable stall returned to her, Venus can now provide for her children.

Abuse:

In Sub-Saharan Africa, property rights are often a matter of life and death. When Venus' husband died, a male relative illegally took sole control of the market stalls that the family used to make a living. As a result, Venus could not provide for her family and watched helplessly as one of her children died of malnutrition.

Rescue:

IJM stood up for Venus' rights and won the case in court, giving Venus the means to provide for her family. In starting up her business again, Venus reported back to IJM staff that "hunger is a foreign word for my family."