Fighting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC)

 

What is OSEC?

The internet has changed the way we access the world. Unfortunately, human traffickers and child abusers have seized the opportunity, using the web to exploit a greater number of children.

The Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) is the internet-facilitated abuse of children. Despite being “virtual,” the damage caused by OSEC is still very real to and damaging to victims. Not only must many endure physical and sexual abuse, but victims live out their lives knowing vulnerable images and videos of their abuse may live on for many years as they are passed around by perpetrators on the internet.

Online sexual exploitation is on the rise.

“In addition, 300 million+ children under the age of 18 have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the last 12 months, many of whom could face physical abuse.”

– Childlight Global Child Safety Institute Annual Report, 2024

OSEC is a hidden crime happening in plain sight. Encrypted messaging, dark web marketplaces and anonymous transactions enable predators to operate unchecked.
But the global anti-trafficking industry is refusing to let them win!

This serious global problem requires urgent action

Watch this video to better understand OSEC and how we’re pushing back against this form of evil harming hundreds of thousands of children on the internet.

Our response to OSEC

We have heard the cries of the hidden victims traumatised by these devastating crimes, and so have countless entities fighting online child exploitation worldwide.

Destiny Rescue and the Global Counter-Trafficking Group (GCG) partner to operate Scientia, a groundbreaking collaboration that rescues victims of the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) through law enforcement collaboration and systemic change initiatives.

The collaboration partners with government units, law enforcement agencies, NGOs and private sector entities globally to dismantle criminal networks, support survivors and create systemic change by: 

— Identifying & Rescuing Victims – Using advanced digital forensics to uncover children trapped in online exploitation.

— Empowering Law Enforcement – Providing investigative support and forensic capabilities to help officers track and apprehend perpetrators.

— Supporting investigations – Leading to the arrests and convictions of traffickers.

OUR GOALS

The following values guide The Scientia Program’s activities in the fight against OSEC:
ENHANCE

Scientia has provided access to new technologies to support the development, investigation and prosecution of offenders in OSEC operations.

EMPOWER

The Scientia team has trained individuals from over a dozen non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Counter-OSEC training includes open-source intelligence, digital forensics, and peer-to-peer networks, as well as using Scientia and investigating exploitation via mobile devices.

COLLABORATE

We know that working together leads to more children being rescued. Scientia efforts have directly supported numerous law enforcement and NGO cases against traffickers, leading to the rescue of children and the arrest of perpetrators and sex buyers. 

OUR IMPACT

Click the tiles below to stay up to date with what we are achieving in the online space.

“We only have two choices: do nothing, or do something.” – Tony Kirwan, Destiny Rescue Founder & International CEO

Anyone can use their gifts, talents and resources to rescue children.

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