Sexual Violence | International Justice Mission shield arrow-simple-alt-top arrow-simple-alt-left arrow-simple-alt-right arrow-simple-alt-bottom facebook instagram linkedin medium pinterest rss search-alt twitter x video-play arrow-long-right arrow-long-left arrow-long-top arrow-long-bottom arrow-simple-right arrow-simple-left arrow-simple-bottom readio arrow-simple-top speaker-down plus minus cloud hb pin camera globe cart rotate star edit arrow-top arrow-right arrow-left arrow-bottom check search close square speaker-up speaker-mute return play pause love
Web2 sv hero
The Problem

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence impacts millions around the world, but women and children are particularly vulnerable to this kind of abuse.

In many regions around the world, the threat of sexual violence is ever-present for children and women, who are frequently targeted because perpetrators know they don’t have the resources to protect themselves. These countries do not yet have an effective justice system response to sexual violence against women and children; police officers are untrained on investigations and courts can’t protect victims during the intense trial process. This reality encourages perpetrators to carry out this horrific crime without consequence.

Nearly 1 in 5 girls is sexually abused at least once in her life.

Up to 50% of sexual assaults worldwide are committed against girls under 16 years old.

Sexual violence, particularly during childhood, can lead to increased drug or alcohol misuse later in life.

Web2 sv img
Our Solution

A Proven Community Protection Model

In places where the law is not effectively enforced, perpetrators learn that they can get away with their crimes. This makes children particularly vulnerable to instances of sexual violence.

But when perpetrators face accountability for their actions, the crimes are significantly reduced. The result? Safer communities where children can expect to be protected at home, and in their schools and communities.

Our Response

IJM combats sexual violence in Africa and Latin America.

We rescue victims of sexual abuse, but we don’t stop there. Our goal is to create systemic change that makes lasting impact, preventing violence from happening in the first place.

Together with our partners, we:

RESCUE VICTIMS: We ensure the victim is removed from danger and kept safe from the perpetrator (for example, moving to a safehouse if they are a child in further danger at home).

BRING CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE: We collaborate with local authorities to investigate cases of sexual violence, help arrest criminals and support the prosecution of perpetrators.

RESTORE SURVIVORS: We provide trauma-focused therapy, help survivors prepare to share the truth in court, and support families so children can heal in a safe and stable environment.

STRENGTHEN JUSTICE SYSTEMS: We provide training and hands-on mentoring to law enforcement, judges, medical and other professionals, and advocate for reforms to the court process that protect children and women.

Our Results

IJM has spent more than 25 years partnering with law enforcement and justice system officials to combat some of the worst forms of violence.

We have proven repeatedly that strengthening justice systems to enforce the law deters criminals and protects people from violence. That's two and a half decades of progress that wouldn’t have been possible without your support and the help of IJM partners. Look at the impact we’ve made together.

IJM-supported operations have had a major impact on cases of sexual violence against children globally. This is our progress so far (as of 2021).
742
Perpetrators
Convicted
860
Children
Relieved
781
Children
Restored
FEATURED PUBLICATION

Child Sexual Assault: Practice and Learnings

Originally submitted to the World Health Organization as part of a WHO-UNICEF initiative to implement the anti-violence Sustainable Development Goals relating to children.

Read the study
Meet Cassie

Cassie was 12 when she was lured into online sexual exploitation for 5 years.

Cassie* was 12 when a family friend lured her to Manila. “He told me that he can help me to reach all of my dreams,” she remembers, and at first she enjoyed the big city and nice clothes. Then the abuse began.

“I was thinking, ‘I want to die. I want to die because of this pain, but I can’t,’” Cassie says. “He hurt me every day. It felt very lonely for me because I was very far from my family and I couldn’t tell them what happened to me because I was very scared.”

Web2 sv story

Help keep kids safe from sexual assault

You can help protect vulnerable children today.

Learn more about our Casework

Violence Against Women and Children

Women and children are particularly vulnerable to violence when no laws are enforced to protect them.

Learn more about this article

Slavery

Millions of men, women and children are trapped in modern-day slavery around the world.

Learn more about this article
OSEC

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Learn more about this article

Police Abuse of Power

When police are free to misuse their power, vulnerable people are the ones who suffer from their violent actions and false accusations.

Learn more about this article

Media Contact

We're here to answer your questions. Please fill out the form below and someone from our team will follow up with you soon.

More Information

Petra Kooman

Director of Marketing and Public Relations
pkooman@ijm.ca
519.679.5030 x.229

Make an Impact

Your skills, talents, and ideas are a force for change. From birthday parties to polar dips, your fundraising campaign can stop the violence.

Learn More

Thank you for signing up to learn more about starting a fundraiser. We will be in touch soon!

In the meantime, please take a look at our free guide: 25 Tips for the Novice Fundraiser.

Need Help?

Need more information?
We're here to help.
Contact us at events@ijm.ca

Test

Test