A future defined by freedom
Together, we are ushering in a new era of protection, where people once vulnerable to the violence of trafficking and slavery can thrive in safety and freedom.
Because of supporters like you, in 2022 IJM partnered with government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen justice systems and protect people from violent crime. You are helping transform communities once defined by violence into places defined by freedom.
WITH YOUR HELP IN 2022, IJM AND OUR PARTNERS:
RELIEVED
9,295
Victims from Violence and Oppression
RESTORED
434
Survivors to Safety and Stability
RESTRAINED
4,097
Suspected Criminals
CONVICTED
1,179
Perpetrators in Local Courts
TRAINED OVER
20,746
Justice System Officials in Actively Addressing Cases of Violence
TRAINED OVER
20,114
Community Members and other NGO Staff Trained to Recognize and Respond to Violence
Radical transformation only happens when we’re brave enough to try
25 years ago, we began the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. Back then, we were told it was impossible because it had never been done before. But we were not discouraged because we knew that the safety and freedom of children, women and men was worth fighting for. And we knew you would be with us in that fight.
That unrelenting spirit is what continues to lead us into uncharted territory. Through our global partners, we’re scaling our work to protect more people than ever. This year, our updated numbers show we’ve protected over 10.4 million vulnerable people from violence since 1997. That’s more than the populations of New York City and Philadelphia combined.
We did that together. And we’ll do it again, and again, and again for as long as it takes to protect 500 million people. We know how to build a safer future for vulnerable people. All that’s left to do is to keep moving forward with the same courage that brought us here to begin with.
Melissa Russell
Regional President, IJM North America
A GLIMPSE AT THE YEAR IN REVIEW
A six-year fight for justice ends in victory
After almost six years of an ongoing court case against the accused, three police officers and a civilian police informant were found guilty of killing our colleague Willie Kimani, IJM client Josephat Mwenda and our trusted driver Joseph Muiruri.
The trial led to widespread grassroots advocacy and government action which strengthened overall police accountability. Before this case, only two police officers were ever convicted of murder. Since then, over 40 officers have been convicted of murder or manslaughter, with hundreds more cases currently in court.
The guilty verdict became a significant moment for police accountability in Kenya. It sent a strong message to officers that they are not above the law and will no longer escape justice for their crimes.
Learn more about how increased police accountability led to stronger democracy in Kenya.
“Happiness hubs” are a safe space for trafficked children to find help
“Happiness Hubs” are bright, colorful spaces where suspected victims of child trafficking are made to feel safe. In these hubs, children can read, play and rest while authorities can interview them in a trauma-informed environment.
The hubs were launched with support from IJM to help rescue children trafficked and transported through busy South Asian railway networks. When authorities had interviewed suspected victims in the past, the rooms used were small and dark. The cold environment made children feel unsafe, and less likely to share information that could lead to their rescue and protection.
Two hubs currently in operation have already served 51 boys and 11 girls throughout the process of their rescue.
Read about how a trauma-informed planned community is helping survivors thrive.
Over 1,000 children rescued from online sexual exploitation as IJM Philippines celebrates a historic milestone
The very first cases of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) in the Philippines were reported in 2011. Since then, IJM has become a global leader in fighting this fast-growing crime. In September 2022, we exceeded over 1000 children rescued and removed from danger by the Philippine government in IJM-supported operations.
Hear a survivor’s amazing story that is earning her global recognition.