The Philippines has become a global hotspot for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). Findings from a 2020 study by the International Justice Mission revealed that the estimated number of IP addresses in the Philippines used for child sexual exploitation rose from 23,333 in 2014 to 81,723 in 2017.
Why does this happen? Extreme poverty combined with widespread English proficiency creates a lethal combination. Desperate girls seek better opportunities, despite the risks, as an alternative to remaining trapped in poverty. Single mothers, motivated to give their children a better life, are also highly vulnerable. They often accept job offers, even abroad, as they feel they have no other choice. Manipulative traffickers prey on the poor with false promises of employment, education, and a better life. In reality, these victims are forced into work like prostitution, receiving little or no pay, and remain trapped in poverty.
Rescued victims of human trafficking and children removed from abusive households or whose parents are imprisoned face the question: where do they go for the critical counseling and support they need?
Welcome to the Blessed House, our response to the fight against human trafficking and cybersex crime.
How it Works
The Blessed House serves as a safe haven and rehabilitation center for women and child victims of human trafficking and cybersex crime.
Genuine Rehabilitation of Young Women Rescued from Human Trafficking
The road to recovery is long and challenging due to substantial emotional scarring and abuse. The Blessed House fills this gap with long-term support. Each girl’s recovery journey is unique and can take 12-18 months or longer. Support includes:
- Physical Support: Housing, daily food, and basic personal needs. Trainees live in a safe, supportive home with full-time on-site care. Eventually, they move into independent housing.
- Emotional Support: Professionally trained counselors and social workers provide essential emotional care.
- Education and Skill Building: Vocational training, special schooling, and alternative learning aim to secure long-term employment or enable the establishment of their own businesses. One aspect is a sewing program that offers therapy, practical skills, and income opportunities.
Short-Term Care for Child Victims of Cybersex Crime
Blessed House also operates as an approved transit home and place of safety for children removed from abusive families by authorities. Children stay under the care of Blessed House staff and counselors for up to 3 months while long-term foster family solutions are found.
How to Help
- It costs USD 560 | AUD 800 to support a child victim of cybersex crime for 3 months before safely transitioning them to a permanent foster family.
- USD 2,300 | AUD 3,300 provides a year of care, counseling, and support to a victim of human trafficking, essential for their progress. You’ll receive a six-monthly update on our overall work and impact in the Philippines (August and February).
The Blessed House Project – Captivating Philippines, is an approved aid and development project run in partnership with the Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993), an Australian DFAT- approved NGO that carries out quality humanitarian projects and experts in long-term solutions to poverty. For more information about GDG, visit http://www.globaldevelopment.org.au
Donations for this program are tax-deductible in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Hong Kong.
Be a Part of the Solution
Support the Blessed House in providing a safe space for women and girls to heal from trauma and rebuild their lives. It costs USD 560 | AUD 800 to support a child victim of cybersex crime for 3 months before safely transitioning them to a permanent foster family.
Your donation can change lives.
