IJM News

Kenyan Man Sentenced To 120 Years In Prison For Sexually Abusing 6 Girls

Thu, 11/15/2012

NAIROBI, KENYA – Nelly’s mother chatted anxiously with other parents in the courtroom, waiting patiently for the judge to return. After three full years on their daughters’ case, one more, long day seemed well worth the wait. On this day, Nelly* and five other young girls could receive justice.

In October 2009, these families entered a horrible nightmare. A man living near the local school lured Nelly and five other young girls into his home in groups and sexually abused them.

IJM Guatemala: Devastating Abuse Divides Family, But A Conviction Brings Justice

Tue, 11/13/2012

GUATEMALA CITY – Almita* and her mother came to IJM's office to visit with Delmi Ramirez, IJM Guatemala's Director of Aftercare. Delmi had news to share: After a month-long trial – a relatively fast trial in Guatemala – Almita's uncle had been convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for aggravated rape.

Delmi has been walking with Almita and her family since IJM received her case last year. She has helped Almita get therapy and begin to process the abuse she endured.

NFL Players, QB Matt Hasselbeck and Business Leaders Mark Record-Breaking IJM Fall Benefit Season

As two cities celebrated nearly a decade of hosting benefit dinners for IJM, the movement has never been stronger.

IJM supporters in Nashville and San Francisco broke records this fall season with some of their biggest events yet—raising resources for millions awaiting rescue around the world.

More than 550 from Nashville’s business, sport, legal and arts communities gathered in support of justice on September 25—IJM’s largest Nashville Benefit on record.

IJM Thailand: Citizenship Is Noi's Right, Her Family's Future

Mon, 11/12/2012

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Noi grew up like many girls in Northern Thailand. Her father was a farmer, and he earned just enough to provide for Noi and her brother. She studied through grade school, until her family could no longer afford to send her. Noi qualified for a scholarship, but she could not receive it. Thailand was her home, but she wasn’t considered a citizen – even though she was legally entitled to citizenship under Thai law.

Noi was stateless, one of an estimated two million people in Thailand who are stateless, who have the protection of no nation.

IJM Kolkata, Police Rescue Two Girls "Trapped In A World Of Darkness"

Mon, 11/12/2012

KOLKATA, INDIA – On November 1, 2012, Kolkata police called IJM for assistance with an urgent rescue operation, two staff members mobilized immediately. They met over a dozen police officers at a safe meeting point, then travelled together to the house where they believed two teenage girls had been trafficked for sexual exploitation.

The rescue team entered the house and easily found the small room where both girls had been sold for sex. A single mattress was on the floor; several other mattresses leaned against the wall in the otherwise empty room.