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Washington DC
1 min read • Training and Prevention

OUR Rescue Attends Global NCOSE Summit in Washington, D.C.

OUR Rescue CEO Tammy Lee, and members of the team were honored to participate in the 2024 Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation (CESE) Global Summit, hosted by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) in Washington, D.C.  This event gathers leading voices from around the world to address the pervasive…
2 min read • Policy & Legal Advocacy

Bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act Passes Senate 91-3

The Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) is a comprehensive bill that’s designed to better protect minors from sexual exploitation, violence, and other online dangers. KOSPA was formed after two separate bills – the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA…
1 min read • Field Operations

K9 Iris Helping Keep Wisconsin Safe

Iris, an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9, is hard at work in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The 6-year-old Labrador Retriever has helped law enforcement in three separate cases since late May, leading to multiple arrests. In a county neighboring Kenosha, an investigator discovered that Ryan St. John, 46, shared and distributed child…
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation Pakkapao

In a beach town, a woman sexually exploited two teenage girls at the karaoke bar she owned, according to multiple agencies in Asia.  OUR Rescue investigators used open-source intelligence to locate the karaoke bar after suspecting it of employing and exploiting minors. With permission from local authorities, we then visited…
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation Beacon of Light

A South American man allegedly produced and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of a 14-year-old. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline was the first to hear of this potential crime. With it being within their jurisdiction, the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) got involved. Unidad Contra La…
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation Amazon

In a tribe in the Amazon rainforest, a father and two uncles were allegedly sexually abusing six children. The Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) found out about the possible crimes in March 2024 when the children’s mother came forward to authorities. The ENP’s human trafficking unit then planned a rescue operation.
4 min read • What Is Human Trafficking

Main Causes of Human Trafficking

A crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. (DHS) Where a person younger than age 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime…
1 min read • Field Operations

June ESD K9 Graduations

Thanks to funding from OUR Rescue donors, five Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s graduated from training on June 28.
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation Mulley

Two women were allegedly sexually exploiting a 17-year-old in Thailand for nearly two months, according to authorities. Knowing the minor had a young daughter that she was responsible for, the women reportedly took advantage of her financial vulnerability. An investigation into potential criminal activity began after local law enforcement found…
4 min read • How To Stop Human Trafficking

How Can I Identify Human Trafficking?

There are many potential signs of human trafficking. Signs can be physical or emotional. Suspicious activities and concerning situations are also possible indicators that something may be wrong.
1 min read • Field Operations

K9 Jib Helps Convict Predator

On May 30, a North Dakota judge sentenced predator Nicholas Morgan-Derosier to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to seven criminal charges tied to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Jib, an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 supported by OUR Rescue, helped the Grand Forks…
3 min read • How To Stop Human Trafficking

10 Ways to Stop Human Trafficking

Human trafficking impacts millions of people around the world each day, with sex trafficking and labor trafficking being the most prevalent forms. However, there is hope in the fight to stop human trafficking. Here are 10 proven strategies, beginning with five immediate actions you can take. Raise Awareness – Protect…
1 min read • Field Operations

Nala & the Angry Bird

The following is a firsthand account from Detective Gill of the Seattle Police Department. I have been a Seattle Police Officer for 17 years. It was a natural choice for me; I’ve always had a strong desire to help people in need. Joining the ICAC unit in 2015 felt like…
1 min read • Field Operations

Bulgarian Border Police Putting Donations to Use

Over the last 12 months, the Bulgarian Border Police (BBP) have investigated 31 cases of human trafficking and assisted numerous individuals using technical equipment and vehicles that were donated by OUR Rescue. So far, 14 of the cases have been presented for prosecution, while investigations are ongoing in nine others.
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation RIOMAR

In Spain, officials say that 14 women were being forced into commercial sex work after suspected traffickers used elderly caregiver job offers to lure the women to the country.  Traffickers reportedly forced the women to be available 24 hours a day and live in extremely unsanitary conditions. When they were…
2 min read • How To Stop Human Trafficking

How to Report Human Trafficking 

If you have any reason to believe that someone is in immediate danger, please contact law enforcement immediately by calling 911. A crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. (…
Operation Wonky
1 min read • Asia • Field Operations • Mission Stories

Operation Wonky

A bar owner was reportedly offering free accommodations, water, and electricity to attract new employees. After placing himself in a position of increased power, he reportedly encouraged six vulnerable hires to engage in sex work. Of these females, five were minors.   The vigilant OUR Rescue team in Asia used information…
ESD k9 Boone with handler
1 min read • Field Operations

ESD K9 Boone

An Illinois man is alleged to have secretly recorded his stepdaughter and other family members by using a camera that was disguised as a screw. Police say Timothy Mol, 45, placed the camera in a switch plate – the small piece of plastic that surrounds a light switch – on…
Our Rescue Operator standing in front of computer.
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation Los Cabineros

In Peru, it has been reported that two men worked together to create and distribute Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) of boys between 8-10 years old.  One of the suspects operated an internet center on the first floor of his home. With video games available to be played, this gave…
1 min read • Field Operations

Operation Snow White

In Thailand, a woman allegedly began trafficking a 13-year-old on her first day of work at a karaoke bar. For six days, the minor was reportedly exploited to provide business clients with the specific sexual services they desired. OUR Rescue operators became suspicious of criminal activity at the bar and…
6 min read • Getting it Right

The Truth Behind Sound of Freedom

With your newfound awareness gained from the film, knowing accurate information about child exploitation and human trafficking is the next step to effectively fight this unimaginable crime.
Rosco the dog
2 min read • Organization

More Than a Dog: Rosco’s Impact

Dogs are often described as “man’s best friend” because they provide unconditional love to their families and those around them.  Rosco, a 2-year-old labrador retriever, fits that description perfectly. However, he is no ordinary dog. He works to keep children safe by fighting back against predators seeking to sexually exploit…
A girl stands in a doorframe in Cambodia
4 min read • Prevention & Awareness

Modern-Day Slavery: An Invisible Epidemic in Plain Sight 

Slavery is often talked about in the past tense, as if it no longer exists and hasn’t for quite some time. Unfortunately, that is not the reality.
A girl sits on steps holding a construction hat
5 min read • What Is Human Trafficking

What Is Forced Labor?

Defining Forced Labor  “Forced labor occurs when individuals are compelled against their will to provide work or service through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.” (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)  Specifically, forced labor refers to individuals 18 and older. Child labor, a subsection of forced…
A woman's arm is being tattooed with a heart
5 min read • Prevention & Awareness

How Do Human Traffickers Mark Their Victims?

Human traffickers sometimes mark their victims with physical markings. These are often tattoos but can appear in various ways on the bodies of victims.
5 min read • Where Does Human Trafficking Happen

Why Hotels Are Being Sued For Human Trafficking

Hotels Are Facing a Surge of Human Trafficking Lawsuits
very busy city street filled with people walking across the sreet.
5 min read • Human Trafficking Statistics

Human Trafficking Statistics and Facts In 2024

From high profile cities in the United States to remote locations around the world, human trafficking is a relatively silent epidemic that impacts communities everywhere.
1 min read • Survivor Care

Survivor Update: Flora Graduates High School

Flora was trafficked when she was 11 years old by a local gang in her hometown that was run by a judge. This was her life for two years before O.U.R. intervened.
1 min read • Getting it Right

The Real Person Behind the Character “Giselle” in the Film “Sound of Freedom” and the Story of Her Arrest

In 2014, O.U.R. conducted its biggest rescue operation to date. It was called Operation Triple Take, with three operations in three different Colombian cities to rescue victims of sex trafficking.
1 min read • Survivor Care

International Sex Trafficking Ring Dismantled – 51 Survivors Freed!

In a joint effort by the Hellenic Police, the Spanish National Police, INTERPOL, Our Rescue, A21, and Homeland Security Investigations, 22 individuals were apprehended.
24 min read • Survivor Care

Voices of Freedom

We stand with survivors of human trafficking and exploitation in their healing journey. With your support, we can continue to provide survivors with invaluable tools they need to heal and thrive.
Screen grabs from the movie Sound of Freedom
6 min read • Human Trafficking In The Media

Sound of Freedom: the Faces of Human Trafficking

"Sound of Freedom" is an award-winning film that depicts both real-life and dramatized rescue missions to help save children who are being sex trafficked across the globe.  Some of these stories are based on the actual work of O.U.R.’s partnership with law enforcement to bring criminal traffickers to justice.
6 min read • What Is Human Trafficking

How Big of a Problem is Human Trafficking?

How big of a problem is human trafficking? To answer this question, we don’t want to just tell you that human trafficking (most commonly labor and sex trafficking) is a huge problem, but also provide numbers that can be readily understood.
Parent talking with child about online safety
12 min read • Prevention & Awareness

How can I, as a parent, protect my kids?

After people learn about human trafficking and the evil that exists in the world, one of the most common questions we get asked at OUR Rescue is, “How do I protect my kids?”
1 min read • Where Does Human Trafficking Happen

Is Human Trafficking Happening in the United States?

Human trafficking is happening all over the world and the United States is no exception.
2 min read • Survivor Care

Survivor Story: Susie

Susie supported herself financially by braiding hair. She went door to door selling her services to locals in her hometown in East Africa. She had been toiling away in her small hometown, feeling trapped by circumstances that she couldn’t control. That’s when a chance encounter with a European man changed…
2 min read • Online Exploitation

How to Practice Online Safety While Using TikTok

You can take charge of you and your family’s online safety by taking simple measures online. We have collected some simple steps to secure your accounts - learn more today.
5 min read • What Is Human Trafficking

The Different Types of Human Trafficking

When people think about human trafficking, they often imagine the scenario in the major feature film Taken, where a young girl is abducted on a trip to Europe and subsequently exploited for sexual situations with paying customers.  While there are certainly real elements of human trafficking present in the film,…
3 min read • Where Does Human Trafficking Happen

The Connection Between War and Human Trafficking

As the Russian war continues in Ukraine, the threat of trafficking exploits grows.
4 min read • Field Operations

How Our Rescue Went Undercover In One Of The Largest Anti-Trafficking Operations In Dominican Republic History

Responding to a request for assistance from the Dominican government’s Specialized Anti-Trafficking Police (PETT), O.U.R. Operators went undercover to confirm the existence of multiple transnational trafficking rings. These networks were reportedly dedicated to recruiting young women, between 15-23 years of age, to be sexually exploited for financial gain.
3 min read • Online Exploitation

How To Spot Red Flags In Social Media Profiles

Knowing how to spot a fake profile can go far in protecting you and your loved ones against online exploitation.
4 min read • Human Trafficking Demographics

The Link Between Mental Illness and Human Trafficking

Discussing the relationship between mental illness and human trafficking can help create an environment of understanding of the experiences of survivors, as well as how different mental conditions can affect one’s risk of being trafficked. 
2 min read • Human Trafficking Demographics

LGBTQ+ Youth and Human Trafficking

While human trafficking affects every demographic, studies show that LGBTQ+ youth are at an elevated risk for being trafficked. This risk comes from higher rates of discrimination, less social and economic support, and higher rates of homelessness than the average youth (Polaris Project.) This combination of vulnerabilities culminates in an…
9 min read • Field Operations

Q&A with Undercover Idaho Police Officer

Once Sgt. Kuoha realized how common these sorts of crimes and online enticement were, even in his small jurisdiction, he and his team were determined to teach the predators a lesson.
1 min read • Policy & Legal Advocacy

FBI Detroit Warns of Increase in Sextortion Schemes Targeting Young Boys – Here’s What You Can Do

The most effective way to stop these criminals is by preventing young people from becoming victims.
4 min read • Networks & Organized Crime

Myth or Fact: Massage Parlors and How They Play a Role in Trafficking

Illicit massage parlors are a growing issue in the realm of human trafficking and are easily disguisable in society, making this type of crime difficult to notice. Educating oneself on the signs are the first steps in tackling this widespread issue.
3 min read • Field Operations

How Our Rescue and Jordan Detection K9 Are Putting ESD K9s Across the Nation

What started with one dog has grown into a nationwide task force of K9s, all helping law enforcement fight against human trafficking and child exploitation.
2 min read • Survivor Care

Nine-Year-Old “Hailey,” Trafficked by Her Neighbor, Returns Home with a New Awareness of Her Rights

“Hailey,” age 9, was swimming in her local community pool down the street from her home in South America when her neighbor, an adult male, approached her.
5 min read • Survivor Care

The Boy in the Green Shirt

The “Boy in the Green Shirt” was an investigation that started in Southeast Asia after the police in another country found photos of an unidentified young boy in a green shirt being sexually assaulted. The offender had unique, identifiable physical traits, so local police were able to quickly identify a citizen with matching traits to this alleged offender...
3 min read • Survivor Care

Survivor Story: “I am free”

The O.U.R. Aftercare team was invited to Central America to visit an aftercare home, which was brought to their attention by a mutual friend and lawyer who is contracted there. She relayed to the team about the survivors who she had gotten to know and love and invited the group to come see for themselves.
5 min read • Human Trafficking Demographics

The Forgotten Survivors of Human Trafficking

“If people hear my story, then they will know the reality we face. I know this happens to more men, I still know men stuck in the system. I want my story out there so that people will know, people will be angry, and people will fight for change. Then, maybe someday, this will stop happening.”
4 min read • What Is Human Trafficking

4 Types of Human Trafficking & Exploitation and How Our Rescue Fights Them

Child sex trafficking has been reported in all 50 U.S. States. Read the most common forms of trafficking & exploitation.
Standing in front of the window and thinking, a young 18-year-old dreams, chooses whether to study or work. Portrait of a charismatic serious guy with blue eyes
10 min read • What Is Human Trafficking

What Human Trafficking Looks Like

There is a common misconception that human trafficking victims are kept in cages and chains. While this is not outside the realm of possibilities in the most egregious cases, human trafficking is so pervasive, in part, due to how easily it can be kept under the radar.
1 min read • Survivor Care

7-Year-Old “Little Wonder Woman” Helps Save Two More Survivors

When the identity of 7-year-old Sabrina was verified from an online child exploitation video, O.U.R. and law enforcement quickly made plans to arrest the traffickers and remove her from harm’s way.

Interested in Learning More About What You Can Do?

If you want to take action or understand how to combat human trafficking and child sexual exploitation, explore our comprehensive resources on what Our Rescue does. And if you're ready to make an immediate impact, your donation today helps provide critical support for rescue operations, survivor care, and prevention efforts.