For young children, no figure is more central to their safety than their primary caregiver — whether that’s a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle.
Unfortunately, not every parent keeps their child safe.
For ten kids in the Philippines, the family members who were supposed to protect them were exploiting them instead. In two different households, moms were selling sexually explicit photos and videos on online platforms with predominantly U.S. customers. In one case, siblings were collaborating in this sinister operation, digitally trafficking their nieces and nephews.
These kids were too small to protect themselves and too little to understand why their caregivers were making them do strange and terrible things.
Fortunately, The Exodus Road’s Philippines team was ready to step in to support the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Together the team compiled damning digital data. Officials took action as soon as possible.
When law enforcement entered the homes where these children had been abused, the kids were confused, traumatized, and scared. It must have been hard for them to know who they could trust after adults had been a source of so much pain. But a government social worker was there to help them begin to believe that they would be cared for, not harmed. The seven girls and three boys were placed in safe houses, where they are now recovering.
Meanwhile, the four adults who had perpetrated egregious abuses in their role as caregivers were taken into custody. They are facing serious charges in court, with the chance of a long imprisonment.
It can be hard to think about any child being in the situation that these children were in. As part of The Exodus Road’s community, you are choosing not to look away. We can step in to be a part of defending exploited kids. Thank you for choosing to participate in creating a safer world.
