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5 min read • CSAM

Understanding the ICAC Task Force: America’s Shield Against Online Child Exploitation

What is ICAC? The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program represents one of the most comprehensive law enforcement initiatives in the United States, specifically designed to combat online child exploitation and internet crimes targeting minors. This national network coordinates efforts between federal agencies, state authorities, and local law…
3 min read • Organization

Announcing Operation Global Impact 2025: A Six-Week International Surge Against Human Trafficking 

This fall, Our Rescue is launching Operation Global Impact 2025, a coordinated international surge operation across 10 countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.   We expect multiple operations with police partners in the coming weeks to identify and rescue survivors of sex trafficking and child exploitation, helping…
2 min read • Field Operations

An Inside Look At Our Rescue’s First Domestic Surge Operation

Predators and traffickers don’t stop at state lines, and we don’t either.   In August 2025, the first surge operation of the Interstate Justice Coalition put that reality into sharp focus. For two days, teams worked across Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, bringing together three independent nonprofits working…
2 min read • Networks & Organized Crime

A New Way to Show Up: Introducing Surge Operations

Traffickers don’t stay in one place, and neither can we. – Derek Benner, CEO  At Our Rescue, we’re evolving our global presence to become more impactful, and mission aligned – meeting the needs of our partners. We’re always asking ourselves how we can do more,…
3 min read • Survivor Care

Lives on the Line: The Urgent Need for More Survivor Shelters Near Nepal and India Border 

Lives on the Line: The Urgent Need for More Survivor Shelter Near Nepal and India Border  Charimaya Tamang was just 16-years-old when her life and dreams were violently disrupted, as traffickers forced her across the border from Nepal to India.  For nearly two years, she endured unimaginable abuse, suffering, and…
Our Rescue female team members
11 min read • Homepage Featured

International Women’s Day 2025: Women Leading the Fight Against Human Trafficking

International Women’s Day is a global movement fueled by collective action, celebrating women’s achievements since its start in 1911, while confronting the work still needed to achieve true gender equality.  At Our Rescue, we are proud to be a women-led organization empowering female leaders. This day is…
6 min read • Prevention & Awareness

The Transformative Shift in Prosecuting Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation

Learn how survivor-centered approaches are transforming justice systems, with groundbreaking results in Tarrant County, Texas. As the conversation around human trafficking gains urgency in the public eye, a transformative shift puts survivor care at the center of the process, from the first intervention on the streets all the way to…
2 min read • Important Dates

11 Ways to Join the Fight™ in January 

January 11 is a call to action: join our fight to eradicate sex trafficking and child exploitation here and everywhere. To mark National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States, we are shining a light on the global disgrace of human trafficking and inviting you to join as a…
2 min read • Statistics & Research

Top 11 Sex Trafficking Myths Debunked

There is a lot of confusion about the realities of human trafficking and sex trafficking. Many people have unrealistic ideas about sex trafficking based on sensationalized movies, the media, or assumptions. Dispelling myths helps to raise awareness about the true nature of sex trafficking.  If you want to help people…
2 min read • Prevention & Awareness

11 Sex Trafficking Red Flags in Adults 

There are many signs of sex trafficking. While not every warning sign means someone is being trafficked, each additional warning sign leads to a greater possibility that human trafficking is taking place. Remember, traffickers can be of any age or gender; they can be a relative, romantic partner, neighbor, acquaintance,…
Little Kid Using Smartphone
3 min read • Online Exploitation

11 Online Apps: Know the Dangers for Kids  

In today’s world, most teens and children are always looking at a screen—particularly online apps, games, or video-sharing platforms. But just because an app or platform is marketed to kids, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Parents and guardians need to research apps, looking at factors such as: Data collection: Companies…
1 min read • Survivor Care

12-year-old survivor in Latin America walks again

Alejandro is a 12-year-old boy in Latin America who was born with a severe disability and epilepsy, facing unimaginable challenges from the start. His condition from birth left him with limited mobility, and his early years were marked by both physical and emotional abuse. Devastatingly, Alejandro was also trafficked, which…
2024 OUR RESCUE impact
1 min read • Our Perspectives

Our Rescue’s 2024 Highlights: A Year of Impact 

As 2024 draws to a close, Our Rescue is deeply grateful for your contribution in the fight to end sex trafficking and child exploitation. Every milestone reflects the dedication of our team, partners, donors, and supporters worldwide. Together, we’ve made strides to protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and bring justice…
1 min read • Field Operations

Five New ESD K9s Graduate, Marking 110 Heroes in the Fight Against Child Exploitation

We are excited to announce that five new K9s have completed their specialized Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) training this month. These incredible dogs graduated from the program on November 15, bringing the total number of Our Rescue sponsored ESD K9s worldwide to 110. This milestone was made possible through the…
Many U.S. flags staggered in a green grass area
1 min read • Important Dates

A Veterans Day Message

Today, we proudly honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Their unwavering commitment to protect and serve inspires us every day, and we are especially grateful for the veterans who are part of our team at OUR Rescue. We’re privileged to have individuals like Lance Lueck, Director…
3 min read • Prevention & Awareness

When Trafficking is a Family Business     

Most people can’t imagine trafficking their family members.   Familial trafficking happens when a family member forces another family member to do involuntary labor—such as sex exploitation or servitude—and someone else in the family controls the proceeds. There’s a heightened risk of familial trafficking for children, teens, people with disabilities, and…
4 min read • Human Trafficking Demographics

Exposing Racial Disparities in Human Trafficking 

Black, indigenous, and migrant populations are disproportionately affected by human trafficking. As a result, addressing human trafficking requires acknowledging racial disparities and addressing systemic issues that contribute to vulnerable people.   Trafficking is often a story of poverty and systemic inequalities   Poverty or economic vulnerability can lead people to trafficking. According…
2 min read • Prevention & Awareness • Statistics & Research

The Reality of LGBTQ+ Child Trafficking 

Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+ which can lead to increased vulnerability to traffickers. The Polaris Project found that LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of trafficking and exploitation.1      LGBTQ+ youth have distinct challenges that lead to increased vulnerability to traffickers.   An estimated…
Bulgarian mobile center project
3 min read • Training and Prevention

Bulgarian Mobile Center Project: Empowering At-Risk Communities through Partnership and Innovation

In a remote Roma neighborhood in Bulgaria, a mobile education center is bringing hope and knowledge to children who once lived in the shadow of exploitation. This innovative project is the result of a unique collaboration between OUR Rescue and Foundation for Hope, a local NGO that has been tirelessly…
1 min read • Asia • Field Operations • Mission Stories

Operation Big Hat

Officials in Asia reported that a woman was using her power as the owner of a karaoke bar to exploit two teenage girls, selling them for sex. Local police contacted OUR Rescue to request that we assist their investigative efforts. At that point, officials knew the bar was recruiting females…
2 min read • Survivor Care

Our Rescue Partners with Unbound Now in North Texas

Unbound Now is a global organization with a mission to end human trafficking through prevention, professional training, and survivor advocacy. With a presence across Texas, Louisiana, and several other cities worldwide, Unbound Now is committed to fostering collaboration between communities, law enforcement, and government agencies to create lasting change. The…
1 min read • Survivor Care

Support Survivors: Help Fill Amazon Wish Lists

We need your help to provide school supplies and basic needs to survivors and individuals at risk of human trafficking! By contributing in-kind donations of these items, you can make a direct impact and provide much-needed support.
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…
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…
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.
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…
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?”
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.
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. 
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 • 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.

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.