The world has made encouraging strides in the fight against global poverty, but a hidden crisis silently threatens to undermine the world’s best efforts to help the poor: routine and relentless violence.
In India, millions of children, women and men are trapped in modern-day slavery and forced to work for hours on end in brick kilns, rice mills and other businesses. Vulnerable girls and young women are trafficked and sold for sex in dark and dangerous red-light districts. Many victims recall being beaten, abused, gang raped, locked in tiny rooms and starved for attempting to escape—and most lose hope of ever being rescued.
While India’s laws clearly ban these crimes, enforcement has historically been weak. As a result, traffickers and slave owners believe they can enslave and exploit the poor without any consequences at all.
International Justice Mission protects the poor from violence by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors and strengthen justice systems.
Ending Forced Labor Slavery — Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi
IJM investigators collaborate with police, partner NGOs and local officials to identify cases of slavery, arrest criminals, and rescue children and families in need. We support prosecutors in charging and convicting slave owners, so others will know the severity of these crimes. Our aftercare teams provide two years of comprehensive services—including life-skills training, job programs and children’s education—to help survivors build new lives in freedom.
Combating Sex Trafficking — Kolkata, Mumbai
IJM teams work closely with local authorities to find girls being sold for sex in brothels, bars, hotels and private residences, and together we bring them to safety. Our social workers counsel survivors and help them access trauma therapy, safe housing and education so girls can find confidence and reach their dreams. Meanwhile, our advocates work in local courts to ensure criminals are arrested, charged and convicted—so they cannot hurt others again.
Justice System Transformation
Our unique model combines service to individual victims of violence with powerful improvements in the justice system so the poor are protected, even when we’re not there to help. This includes training police, prosecutors and judges, raising awareness in the media, advocating for policy change, and sharing our expertise with partners across the country.
