"This problem is so large, it’s so widespread, it’s so much bigger than we’d all like to realize...As difficult as it is...

"This problem is so large, it’s so widespread, it’s so much bigger than we’d all like to realize...As difficult as it is...

"This problem is so large, it’s so widespread, it’s so much bigger than we’d all like to realize...As difficult as it is to digest, to fathom, it’s probably just as tough not to take action.” Mike Tomlin on modern-day slavery, NFL Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers⁣ ⁣ @steelers Coach Mike Tomlin stands with O.U.R. as a modern-day abolitionist. In 2018 he traveled with our Aftercare & Ops Teams to the Dominican Republic & Haiti to get a closer look at the work we are doing and further understand the reality of human trafficking worldwide. #SlaveStealers #SteelersNation ⁣

"This problem is so large, it’s so widespread, it’s so much bigger than we’d all like to realize...As difficult as it is... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFx8b_Kom2D

Our abolitionists in Arizona deserve a big shout-out! This past weekend, Team Leaders in the greater Phoenix area and O....

Our abolitionists in Arizona deserve a big shout-out! This past weekend, Team Leaders in the greater Phoenix area and O....

Our abolitionists in Arizona deserve a big shout-out! This past weekend, Team Leaders in the greater Phoenix area and O.U.R. Aftercare held a drive for our aftercare partners at Phoenix Dream Center, hosted an internet safety night, and helped coordinate an amazing fundraising event. The support and energy is strong in this state, and we are so grateful for it! @phoenixdreamcenter is making great efforts to stop human trafficking, fight drug addiction, and end childhood hunger by offering housing, medical services, counseling, and vocational training. Their motto is “Find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.” We at O.U.R. are grateful to help fight trafficking at a local level, there’s more to come with this great collaboration!

Our abolitionists in Arizona deserve a big shout-out! This past weekend, Team Leaders in the greater Phoenix area and O.... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFvXDo-gsOA

In many of our partnering aftercare homes around the world, survivors love to come back and mentor their younger peers. ...

In many of our partnering aftercare homes around the world, survivors love to come back and mentor their younger peers. ...

In many of our partnering aftercare homes around the world, survivors love to come back and mentor their younger peers. This happens in many different ways. In some places, they will come back and teach a skill such as cutting hair or sewing. Sometimes survivors will go on to become social workers and go back to work at the aftercare home they lived in. This turns into a beautiful healing experience for many when they can relate to each other and feel mutually understood. We are continually amazed by the strength of survivors to persevere through the hard moments and to look to the future with hope. ⁠ ⁠ "It’s one of our core beliefs that we’re all in this journey together. Survivors, brave warriors, are experts on being able to understand what holistic ‘aftercare’ is and the challenges that come throughout the journey." - Jessica Mass, O.U.R. Director of Aftercare

In many of our partnering aftercare homes around the world, survivors love to come back and mentor their younger peers. ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFsxeS3pcKI

One of the survivors who was freed in one of our recent operations found out that the exploitative videos taken of her b...

One of the survivors who was freed in one of our recent operations found out that the exploitative videos taken of her b...

One of the survivors who was freed in one of our recent operations found out that the exploitative videos taken of her by traffickers when she was underage were posted on Pornhub and have been viewed many times.⁠ ⁠ The video has now been taken down. Our aftercare team has been in contact with this survivor to support her through this difficult time of having videos of her exploitation surfacing online.⁠ ⁠ @ExodusCry is leading the charge to hold Pornhub accountable. Visit traffickinghub.com for more information.

One of the survivors who was freed in one of our recent operations found out that the exploitative videos taken of her b... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFk8LUNhu-T

O.U.R. has been supporting the fight against sex trafficking and online exploitation in Thailand for over four years. In...

O.U.R. has been supporting the fight against sex trafficking and online exploitation in Thailand for over four years. In...

O.U.R. has been supporting the fight against sex trafficking and online exploitation in Thailand for over four years. In 2016, we funded the Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children (TICAC) Lab with equipment, technology, as well as ongoing training and staff. ⁠ ⁠ TICAC reported that with O.U.R.’s support, they were able to arrest 25 people on charges of child exploitation and/or human trafficking from May - August. In the process of the digital forensics investigations, 6 survivors were also identified and rescued. ⁠ ⁠ We are incredibly grateful for TICAC’s dedication to fighting child exploitation and to finding those predators who violate children.

O.U.R. has been supporting the fight against sex trafficking and online exploitation in Thailand for over four years. In... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFieQmwolmE

Within hours of posting the Operation Eternal Spring update last week, another survivor was identified! She is currently...

Within hours of posting the Operation Eternal Spring update last week, another survivor was identified! She is currently...

Within hours of posting the Operation Eternal Spring update last week, another survivor was identified! She is currently receiving survivor care services and is beginning her healing process.⁠ ⁠ The men who were arrested in this case had posted many exploitative videos and pictures online of the girls that they trafficked. The O.U.R. Ops Team is continuing to assist local law enforcement in finding and analyzing more digital evidence. We hope to identify more girls that these traffickers exploited.

Within hours of posting the Operation Eternal Spring update last week, another survivor was identified! She is currently... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFf5fzTDpeu

With resources and support from O.U.R., the Taylorville Police Department in Illinois arrested 64-year-old Robert Tobin ...

With resources and support from O.U.R., the Taylorville Police Department in Illinois arrested 64-year-old Robert Tobin ...

With resources and support from O.U.R., the Taylorville Police Department in Illinois arrested 64-year-old Robert Tobin for possessing and distributing child exploitation material. ⁠ ⁠ Taylorville Police first started investigating Tobin earlier this year. After they found enough evidence, they obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s apartment, only to find that he had moved. They worked in conjunction with neighboring counties to find Tobin and carry out the search warrant. Tobin was arrested on September 10th. See link in profile for news story.

With resources and support from O.U.R., the Taylorville Police Department in Illinois arrested 64-year-old Robert Tobin ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFdUtCzHepY

It's Op Day. What does your schedule roughly look like from morning to night? ⁠ ⁠ “Op Days are game days for us. This is...

It's Op Day. What does your schedule roughly look like from morning to night? ⁠ ⁠ “Op Days are game days for us. This is...

It's Op Day. What does your schedule roughly look like from morning to night? ⁠ ⁠ “Op Days are game days for us. This is where all of our planning and training is put to use. Our Ops Team responds to calls for help from our law enforcement partners around the world. Op Day is the result of acting on intel. Op Days vary based on the intel we’ve gathered and been provided. There is no formula or norm when working to expose criminals. Nothing about working with traffickers while undercover is routine or predictable.” - O.U.R. Operator

It's Op Day. What does your schedule roughly look like from morning to night? ⁠ ⁠ “Op Days are game days for us. This is... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFav63AhKjC

Operation Eternal Spring PART 2/2 ⁠ ⁠ We are continuing to help identify more survivors from Operation Eternal Spring. W...

Operation Eternal Spring PART 2/2 ⁠ ⁠ We are continuing to help identify more survivors from Operation Eternal Spring. W...

Operation Eternal Spring PART 2/2 ⁠ ⁠ We are continuing to help identify more survivors from Operation Eternal Spring. We are excited to share how your support and donations have directly helped 4 of the survivors who were freed from their traffickers! ⁠ ⁠ Law enforcement was able to find and remove exploitative pictures and videos of “Allison” from a pornographic website. O.U.R. Aftercare supported Allison through this difficult process. ⁠ ⁠ “Camila’s” dream is to learn English and finish her high school education. We were able to provide Camila with a laptop, access to an English course, and an opportunity to supplement her education.⁠ ⁠ “Sofia” also wants to learn English and attend college. We were able to also provide her with a laptop, access to an English course, and support in attending a university. O.U.R. Aftercare will also provide support in court. ⁠ ⁠ “Isabel” is interested in becoming a personal trainer. The O.U.R. Aftercare Team is continuing to follow up with her to start next steps to help her reach her dreams. ⁠ ⁠ We honor these survivors for their strength and determination to heal.

Operation Eternal Spring PART 2/2 ⁠ ⁠ We are continuing to help identify more survivors from Operation Eternal Spring. W... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFS6muXHuRS

Operation Eternal Spring PART 1/2⁠ ⁠ Traffickers in South America, one of them being an American citizen, targeted young...

Operation Eternal Spring PART 1/2⁠ ⁠ Traffickers in South America, one of them being an American citizen, targeted young...

Operation Eternal Spring PART 1/2⁠ ⁠ Traffickers in South America, one of them being an American citizen, targeted young girls online by offering enticing job opportunities. They invited the girls to parties, and then quickly turned on them and forced them to sell themselves to Americans that came into town. Often, pictures and videos of the exploitation were posted online. The O.U.R. Ops Team worked with law enforcement on the investigation to find digital evidence. 8 girls were identified and provided aftercare resources to heal. Tomorrow we will share more about how your donations and support have directly helped these survivors.

Operation Eternal Spring PART 1/2⁠ ⁠ Traffickers in South America, one of them being an American citizen, targeted young... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFQcs-jASwe

Last year, while our aftercare team was following up with a survivor in one of our partnering aftercare homes, they foun...

Last year, while our aftercare team was following up with a survivor in one of our partnering aftercare homes, they foun...

Last year, while our aftercare team was following up with a survivor in one of our partnering aftercare homes, they found out about a need that another young girl had in the home. We believe in supporting survivors, children of survivors, and aftercare homes as a whole. ⁠ ⁠ Little 2-year-old “Mariana” was born with club feet, a seizure disorder, and a heart condition that made doctors in her country hesitant to perform surgery. We sent out a message looking for doctors in the states who would be willing to help, and a team leader in Utah asked his roommate if his father, Dr. Nelson of Cache Valley Hospital, would be willing. He and Dr. Daniel Huff gladly obliged to help.⁠ ⁠ This incredible act of service would not have happened without our amazing network of volunteers! We seek to echo the original mid-19th century Underground Railroad, which utilized a network of people with different abilities to support needs and bring more people to freedom.

Last year, while our aftercare team was following up with a survivor in one of our partnering aftercare homes, they foun... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFN35MElRSE

During the past few months, O.U.R. worked in conjunction with law enforcement internationally on several operations to f...

During the past few months, O.U.R. worked in conjunction with law enforcement internationally on several operations to f...

During the past few months, O.U.R. worked in conjunction with law enforcement internationally on several operations to fight human trafficking and child exploitation. ⁠ ⁠ In Nepal, Operation Locust resulted in the arrest of a female trafficker who had been on the run since 2019. The O.U.R. Ops Team assisted in the investigation to find her. In Operation New Face, O.U.R. Operators also discovered where a male trafficker was hiding, leading police to arrest him. ⁠ ⁠ In Ukraine, O.U.R. provided training and resources that assisted in a child sexual exploitation material case. This operation led to an arrest of a child predator and the rescue of a survivor. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R. also provided resources to Mission823 to provide humanitarian relief to 41 youth who are considered to be at high risk for human trafficking. This is part of our prevention work. ⁠ ⁠ In Haiti, O.U.R. assisted in a series of operations that led to the arrest of 4 traffickers and the rescue of 4 minors. There are more updates about operations in Haiti coming soon. ⁠ ⁠ In Thailand, Operation Blue Bird resulted in the arrest of a trafficker and the rescue of 3 minor females. 2 of these girls were being sold for sex, and the third had just arrived at the location and was rescued before being sold and violated. O.U.R. Aftercare was on site to assist and coordinate aftercare services. ⁠ ⁠ In Operation D Thueson, the O.U.R. Ops Team assisted law enforcement in an online investigation, resulting in the rescue of 4 survivors.

During the past few months, O.U.R. worked in conjunction with law enforcement internationally on several operations to f... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFLTG2BDlbk

#SURVIVORUPDATE: “Andrew” recently started middle school and is loving it! He has already made many friends, and his bri...

#SURVIVORUPDATE: “Andrew” recently started middle school and is loving it! He has already made many friends, and his bri...

#SURVIVORUPDATE: “Andrew” recently started middle school and is loving it! He has already made many friends, and his bright smile continues to bring joy to the kids around him at school. Because he was kidnapped and attacked at a young age in East Africa, he is currently behind in school. However, his teachers think he will catch up to his peers very fast! We are so inspired by Andrew’s perseverance. ⁠ ⁠ After Andrew was attacked by a trafficker, he lost his ability to walk. He received a pro-bono surgery here in the U.S. and has been attending physical therapy. Against all odds, he has regained his ability to walk! See our link in profile to read Andrew’s full story.

#SURVIVORUPDATE: “Andrew” recently started middle school and is loving it! He has already made many friends, and his bri... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFIuUFopGgm

During the entire month of July, a group of survivors in Central America worked hard behind the scenes to plan and start...

During the entire month of July, a group of survivors in Central America worked hard behind the scenes to plan and start...

During the entire month of July, a group of survivors in Central America worked hard behind the scenes to plan and start their own taco stand. Just two days after handing out flyers around the community, they were already receiving order requests. O.U.R. Aftercare has been consulting them on how to maintain a balance sheet for their business. They couldn’t wait to start making and selling tacos! We are so grateful to @mentorsinternational for providing microloans to help them start their business.⁠ ⁠ It is amazing to see the strength in these survivors as they work to heal together. We are honored to stand with them and support them in reaching their dreams.

During the entire month of July, a group of survivors in Central America worked hard behind the scenes to plan and start... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CFA5Ch7l2ou

Using the training and resources provided by O.U.R, the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) was able...

Using the training and resources provided by O.U.R, the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) was able...

Using the training and resources provided by O.U.R, the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) was able to conduct 146 child sexual exploitation investigations. From those investigations, they were able to arrest 31 child sexual predators and identify 69 children who were victims of sexual exploitation.⁠ ⁠ We’re so grateful for this collaboration and the continuous hard work from Utah ICAC to protect children.

Using the training and resources provided by O.U.R, the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) was able... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-bLIuoHtb

It all started with one missing boy, Gardy, who was taken from his neighborhood church in Haiti. His story reached Tim B...

It all started with one missing boy, Gardy, who was taken from his neighborhood church in Haiti. His story reached Tim B...

It all started with one missing boy, Gardy, who was taken from his neighborhood church in Haiti. His story reached Tim Ballard who at the time was working as a federal agent for the U.S. government. As someone who led dozens of child exploitation cases, he was devastated when he discovered he could not make this a U.S. case. He made a promise to Gardy's father and left his job to begin the search. At O.U.R., it is our mission to save and care for more children like Gardy who are victims of human trafficking. We will never give up our search for this little boy and the countless other children who are facing the horrors of trafficking and exploitation. Have you seen O.U.R.'s documentary "Operation Toussaint"? Check it out for free on Amazon Prime or YouTube!

It all started with one missing boy, Gardy, who was taken from his neighborhood church in Haiti. His story reached Tim B... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CE72OemHYut

Late last year, a missing 15-year-old girl was found after 58 videos of her rape and sexual abuse were discovered on Por...

Late last year, a missing 15-year-old girl was found after 58 videos of her rape and sexual abuse were discovered on Por...

Late last year, a missing 15-year-old girl was found after 58 videos of her rape and sexual abuse were discovered on Pornhub. This is not the only story of its kind. ⁠ ⁠ One of the most-searched terms on Pornhub is “teen”. Many of these videos, as traffickinghubpetition.com states, “feature girls who look 13 years old at best — girls with braces, pigtails, flat chests, no makeup, extremely young faces, holding teddy bears and licking lollipops…” ⁠ ⁠ Pornhub has no reliable system to ensure that the videos posted are not trafficked children being raped on video. Instead, they profit from these videos. The system to both upload videos and to become a blue-checkmark verified is highly unregulated (all that is needed is a picture of you holding a paper with your username). Any content can go live instantly. Even if these videos are eventually taken down, many already downloaded the content - making it virtually impossible for victims to physically erase the abuse they endured publicly. ⁠ ⁠ Visit @fightthenewdrug for science-based facts and research that explain the connections between the porn industry and sex trafficking. Visit traffickinghubpetition.com to sign the petition to hold Pornhub accountable.

Late last year, a missing 15-year-old girl was found after 58 videos of her rape and sexual abuse were discovered on Por... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5Rhz4nGzP

“I’m finally free. He can never hurt me again.” What a beautiful, yet heart wrenching quote from a very brave 11-year-ol...

“I’m finally free. He can never hurt me again.” What a beautiful, yet heart wrenching quote from a very brave 11-year-ol...

“I’m finally free. He can never hurt me again.” What a beautiful, yet heart wrenching quote from a very brave 11-year-old girl, who was trafficked by her own father. ⁠ ⁠ Chloe first experienced freedom when she was rescued and brought to our partnering aftercare home in South America. Prior to her rescue, her trafficker abused her, sold her to be raped, and forced her to beg on the streets for money. If she did not bring him the amount of money he wanted, he would beat her. This was Chloe’s life as a little girl.⁠ ⁠ She recently testified in court. She did so with amazing courage, strength, and dignity, answering the questions from the judge. Her trafficker was found guilty, and sentenced. Even the judge was horrified, as he stated to the trafficker, “You are one of the most evil people that has ever come into my courtroom.” ⁠ ⁠ Chloe’s trafficker can no longer hurt her. Stories like Chloe’s serve as a reminder that if we keep fighting, we can continue to rescue children from human trafficking. ⁠ ⁠ (See link in profile for full blog post) ⁠

“I’m finally free. He can never hurt me again.” What a beautiful, yet heart wrenching quote from a very brave 11-year-ol... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2sugfFEiZ

Reposted from @timballard89 The NY Times Magazine published a horrific piece that could hurt children and law enforcem...

Reposted from @timballard89 The NY Times Magazine published a horrific piece that could hurt children and law enforcem...

Reposted from @timballard89 The NY Times Magazine published a horrific piece that could hurt children and law enforcement efforts to help children. Had to respond! Thank you @foxnews for bringing me on.

Reposted from @timballard89 The NY Times Magazine published a horrific piece that could hurt children and law enforcem... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEuiufWg0ll

O.U.R.’s name is inspired by the original Underground Railroad, which was a network that people oppressed by slavery in ...

O.U.R.’s name is inspired by the original Underground Railroad, which was a network that people oppressed by slavery in ...

O.U.R.’s name is inspired by the original Underground Railroad, which was a network that people oppressed by slavery in the U.S. used to escape to freedom. In our work today, we draw inspiration and courage from the 19th century Abolitionists who were determined to liberate the captive. ⁠ ⁠ ⁃William Still of Philadelphia was a “clerk” for the Underground Railroad and kept detailed records of freed slaves and their stories. These records helped many families reunite later. ⁠ ⁠ ⁃After escaping slavery in Maryland, Josiah Henson helped build a 500-person settlement in Canada to support other people that escaped slavery. ⁠ ⁠ ⁃The Hutchinson Family Singers sang about abolitionism (all 13 kids sang in the group at one time or another!). They toured the U.S. to entertain and educate about issues that were important to them, including ending slavery. ⁠ ⁠ ⁃Levi Coffin of Indiana was always prepared to feed and care for 15-20 fugitives at a time. He would wake in the middle of the night to light knocks on his door, and prepared beds and fires to keep newcomers warm and safe. ⁠ ⁠ The Underground Railroad worked because it was a network of people working together across the country. Everyone had a small part, but made a big difference.

O.U.R.’s name is inspired by the original Underground Railroad, which was a network that people oppressed by slavery in ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEsZlUmjX1h

We partnered with @its_apenalty and actor Liam Neeson to highlight some facts about human trafficking. It is important t...

We partnered with @its_apenalty and actor Liam Neeson to highlight some facts about human trafficking. It is important t...

We partnered with @its_apenalty and actor Liam Neeson to highlight some facts about human trafficking. It is important to understand the issue as a whole, as well as the signs to look for when someone is being abused and trafficked.

We partnered with @its_apenalty and actor Liam Neeson to highlight some facts about human trafficking. It is important t... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEp5q_Soqer

Last Thursday, 40-year-old William Barratt of Pennsylvania was sentenced to 5 years in prison for receipt of child explo...

Last Thursday, 40-year-old William Barratt of Pennsylvania was sentenced to 5 years in prison for receipt of child explo...

Last Thursday, 40-year-old William Barratt of Pennsylvania was sentenced to 5 years in prison for receipt of child exploitation videos and images. 9 victims were identified from the material seized from Barratt’s phone and computer. He has been ordered to pay restitution to each. ⁠ ⁠ This case was investigated by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office, and was part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood. ⁠ ⁠ O.U.R.-sponsored K9 Spike assisted in the investigation of William Barratt. We are honored that K9 Spike’s special training played a role in the successful conviction of this man who was seeking to harm children. See link in profile for the press release.

Last Thursday, 40-year-old William Barratt of Pennsylvania was sentenced to 5 years in prison for receipt of child explo... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnP_sYDJVv