AREA OF WORK
Child Survivor Care
Healing is possible.
WHY IT MATTERS
Recovery takes far more than time.
The impacts of sexual exploitation can be devastating and long-lasting. Many child survivors experience physical injuries, trauma, depression, anxiety, disrupted education, homelessness, financial hardship, and profound feelings of fear, shame and self-blame.
Without comprehensive support, children face a greater risk of revictimization, poor health outcomes, difficulties forming healthy relationships, and ongoing barriers to reaching their full potential.
HOW WE HELP
Three pillars of survivor-centred care.
Since 2005 our child and youth members have raised their voices and mobilized people and organizations to act — winning the support of the public, schools, foundations, corporations and individual donors who have joined us in meeting the immediate and long-term needs of child survivors.
Safe shelter
Children must be removed from dangerous situations and placed in safe spaces designed to meet their complex needs. We provide long-term shelter where children can begin their recovery in a secure environment.
Health
Our health support, including psychological support, ensures children can process their experiences safely. From individual to family counselling and therapy, we help children process emotions, develop coping strategies, rebuild trust and form healthy relationships.
Legal protection and justice
Child survivors often need legal assistance to navigate their complex cases, including securing their legal rights, advocating for their protection, and seeking justice against their perpetrators.
Yet, the justice process itself can be intimidating, confusing, and lengthy for young victims, which can discourage reporting and prosecutions of these cases.
We support children and their families through legal counselling throughout the judicial process and representation in courts, ensuring that they understand their rights and receive the protection and justice they deserve.
Every child deserves the chance to heal.
Help us provide safety, justice, health and hope to children recovering from sexual exploitation.
HIGHLIGHTS
Survivor Care Highlights
The Philippines · with the PREDA Foundation
Providing a Safe Sanctuary for Child Survivors in the Philippines
Thanks to children and youth in Canada and the United States who rallied their communities, we’re proud to have co-funded the construction and operation of the Philippines-based Victoria Home for Girls, a therapeutic healing centre for victims of sex trafficking, online sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse operated by the PREDA Foundation.
In one year, 120 children are supported by the home, where they undergo a therapy program for 6–8 months, followed up by an aftercare program. Since the Home’s opening, hundreds of children have found hope and recovery.
The children’s home is surrounded by a peaceful secluded forest environment, an ideal place to begin their healing journey.
As soon as a child walks through the doors, they’re warmly welcomed, and supported by a team of social workers who meet all their needs.
Cambodia · with APLE Cambodia
Providing Hope, Healing and Justice for Cambodian Child Survivors
According to the 2022 Disrupting Harm Global Study, an estimated 160,000 children aged 12–17 in Cambodia have experienced some form of sexual exploitation or abuse online.
We’re proud to have teamed up with Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE) Cambodia to support timely, high-quality assistance to child victims and witnesses to overcome trauma, reintegrate into society with strength and resilience, and seek justice.
Previously, with your help and the support of children who have mobilized communities, we provided 188 children with psychological counselling to help process their trauma in a safe environment, rebuild their self-esteem, and aid their emotional recovery.
These children had also been provided with legal support to guide them through the justice system, help them understand their rights and represent them in court, resulting in many perpetrators being convicted.
Stay tuned to learn about how we’re continuing to provide survivor care in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, as well as Kandal province.
Explore more of our work.
CHILD SURVIVOR EMPOWERMENT
Healing is just the beginning. We help survivors find their voice, build their confidence, and take flight.
PREVENTION EDUCATION
We’re committed to stopping these crimes against children from happening in the first place.
