Help LIFT End Thai Child Online Sex Trafficking

Your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of survivors of human trafficking. This quarter, we have reached key milestones in protecting those at risk and helping those who have been exploited. Your generosity has been instrumental in achieving this impact, paving the way for freedom and justice.

Here are the highlights:

Identification: the intelligence and investigative teams gathered crucial information and produced 84 reports, leading to 7 active cases. In this result, 130 potential victims were identified, and we successfully removed 21 individuals from harm.

Protection: our social workers provided support to survivors 441 times over the last quarter. They held 140 follow-up meetings with 82 survivors,delivered 13 Love Packs, and ensured that survivors' mental and physical well-being were prioritised throughout the legal process.

Prosecution: 143 survivors received legal support, and our legal experts advocated $1.3K in compensation for them. This reflects our dedication to ensuring justice and advocating for their rights.

Strengthening Law Enforcement: our team trained 48 law enforcement officers and NGO staff on online investigations, case management, and victim support. This training strengthens their ability to combat cyber trafficking cases and support victims effectively.

A Story of Justice:

One mother shared how our team’s digital forensic work brought justice for her son, who was one of 10 boys exploited online. The evidence was so strong, the offender pleaded guilty, sparing the boys from the trauma of testifying in court.

"I’m so relieved my son and I didn’t have to face a long trial. The stress and anxiety are gone. Now, he can focus on his future and studies." – A survivor’s mother.

Because of you, we keep protecting vulnerable children and individuals from modern slavery. Together, we’ll keep fighting for Freedom Through Justice until human trafficking is no more.

LIFT International focused on enhancing justice systems, assisting survivors, and ensuring accountability for human trafficking and sexual exploitation offences. Our efforts aimed to halt traffickers and safeguard survivors through collaboration with local Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) and law enforcement, prioritising child-centred strategies for maximum impact.

This quarter's highlights include:

• Identification: The intelligence and investigative teams gathered crucial information and produced 80 reports that were disseminated. Additionally, LIFT’s team, led by investigators, aided in identifying victims in 10 cases, supporting law enforcement. These efforts resulted in removing 14 child victims from human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Additionally, four offenders were arrested and held accountable for their crimes.

• Protect and Prosecute : Our teams of social workers and legal experts provided a total of 477 support activities to survivors. These dedicated professionals work closely together to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors, minimising re-traumatization during legal proceedings. Activities included 13 survivor visits, distribution of love packs, counselling sessions, regular case updates, and referrals to appropriate services. This integrated approach aims to provide holistic support while navigating the complexities of each case.

Furthermore, our legal experts tirelessly pursued strong legal representation, resulting in justice for victims through compensation totaling USD 32,800.

Survivors' stories underscore the crucial impact of our work, safeguarding vulnerable children from the devastating cycle of sex trafficking and exploitation.One survivor's journey stands out as a powerful example of the justice our mission brings.

At just 15 years old, Som* is like many teenagers exploring romantic relationships. Tragically, she fell victim to sex trafficking and online exploitation through a deceptive relationship with her former boyfriend, amplified by family challenges. Her ordeal included the online trading of her videos.

Thanks to the dedicated support of LIFT's team, Som was rescued from victimisation and found safe under the care of our shelter's trusted partners and social workers. With the support of our legal experts, she and another identified victim received compensation totaling USD 13,500 (THB 500,000). Additionally, justice prevailed as the perpetrator was sentenced to sixteen years in prison and fined USD 21,600 (THB 800,000).

This success is a testament to the impact of justice, made possible through your generous support of our mission. Together, we anticipate many more positive changes for those who have suffered exploitation, waiting to be reunited with hope.

* Name changed to protect the survivor

Links:

• Our website