ORGANIZATION:
International Justice Mission (IJM) – Manila
Background and Context
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that rescues victims of violence, sexual exploitation, slavery, and oppression. IJM documents and monitors conditions of abuse and oppression, educates the church and public about the abuses, and mobilizes intervention on behalf of victims.
Manila is a country ripe with sexual abuse, assault, trafficking, and rape. Children are the frequent victims of these heinous atrocities. IJM’s goal is to stop child prostitution.
International Justice Mission Manila currently has 148 active cases of rape and sexual assault, trafficking, and children in conflict with the law. IJM seeks to prosecute the perpetrators, support the victims, and rehabilitate the community.
To date in 2007, IJM Manila has secured justice for 32 victims including 15 victims of forced prostitution and trafficking and five victims of illegal detention, providing these brothers and sisters with rescue, support, and renewed hope for their lives and futures.
Twenty-six perpetrators have been arrested for trafficking, with 12 charged and five convicted. Additionally, five perpetrators have been arrested for sexual abuse, 11 have been charged, and three have been convicted.
18 victims have been placed in short-term aftercare and 21 children reintegrated into their homes and communities. Also, 56 children have been placed into educational programs. These efforts are in partnership with local churches and ministries.
Through IJM’s focus on perpetrator accountability, we are protecting other potential victims through the deterrent power of justice in their communities and preventing abuses.
A significant element of victim aftercare through IJM – Manila is the STARS program. This initiative provides mentoring and guidance for past victims of such abuse, so that they may become advocates and be leaders among other victims.
The STARS will be provided with training, and then mentor IJM clients who experienced similar forms of abuse and exploitation. The clients will be able to identify with and relate to the youth leaders, because they are of the same age group and life experience. The youth leaders will provide inspiration and encouragement to IJM clients. Helping them throughout their rescue and recovery processes. Because the STARS have experienced the problems first hand, they will also provide a wealth of ideas and solutions to help IJM conduct our case work.
STARS will participate in “Child Conferences,” peer counseling sessions, IJM raids (to help reach out to victims and calm their fears), and advising children who have survived similar experiences regarding how to testify in court and the significant impact of their testimony in securing prosecutions against the offenders.
STARS and their families receive various forms of assistance through IJM, including effective parenting orientation, livelihood and education assistance, skills training, grocery items, medical and clothing assistance, and annual youth camp for the STARS themselves.
IJM Manila has experienced initial success with this initiative already in 2007. One survivor of trafficking, immediately following some girls’ rescue from forced prostitution, was truly instrumental in supporting the girls by calming their fears and explaining IJM’s process and their rights.
Throughout the year IJM has continued to develop the STARS program by holding training sessions for leaders (Orientation of STARS, Capability Building and Leadership Training, Youth Camp and Survivors Speak).
Eighty-two local individuals have been recruited to serve as prayer partners for field office in Manila. They are committed to praying specifically and regularly for the work of IJM in Manila, the staff, and the victims they seek to serve.
IJM has conducted multiple training sessions in the last months of 2007 to ensure structural changes and sustainability in law enforcement. These trainings have been directed at pastors and church workers, law enforcement officers, and community leaders.
IJM is currently working closely with the Department of Labor & Employment to close String Fellows Bar & Grill, after proving that the owner of the bar had been forcing young girls into prostitution.
Expected Results / Outcomes
IJM Manila wants to prosecute 300 cases of rape, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking. To date in 2007, they have secured justice for 32 victims.
The STAR Program is a mentoring program which seeks to mobilize at least 20 survivors of forced prostitution, sexual abuse, and children in conflict with the law. These mentors will contribute to the rehabilitation of their peers and serve as child rights advocates.
Organization: International Justice Mission (IJM) - Manila
Email: psisonarroyo@ijm.org
Phone: 615.299.5438 (Michelle Conn)
Contact: Patty Sison-Arroyo
Date Established: 2001
Contact for Request: Michelle Conn
Email: mconn@ijm.org
Geographic Region: Asia >> Philippines >> Manila
Program Area: Justice
For giving to this ministry through a U.S. Organization, please contact the following:
Contact: Bob Norsworthy
Email: Bob@NFFoundation.org
Request Amount: $437,726.00 for 2007
NFF Funding: $14,750.00
Other Funding: $194,000.00
Balance: $228,976.00
The Newman Family Foundation |
