Eleison is proud to have partnered with Breathe Barre and Pilates on a fundraiser to benefit Eleison’s mental health services for child trafficking survivors in honor of the World Day Against Trafficking (WDAT). The 2024 WDAT focused on accelerating the end to child trafficking globally. Amid the emergence of online platforms, environmental changes, economic hardships, and political strife, children are increasingly vulnerable to being trafficked. The 2024 WDAT calls for states to advocate for their legislators and government officials to take concrete actions to protect children from exploitation.
While child trafficking appears in many forms, one of the most prominent and rapidly growing forms is the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC). OSEC involves the production and distribution of child sexual exploitation material online (CSEM), live-streaming sexual abuse for paying viewers, and grooming children online for sexual exploitation. In the Philippines, it has been estimated that nearly half a million children, or approximately 1 in 100 children, were trafficked to produce new CSEM for profit in 2022. These highly alarming rates underscore the urgent need to protect children from exploitation and ensure they receive needed services to support in their recovery.
Community partnerships are key to helping combat child trafficking. Eleison’s partnership with Breathe Barre and Pilates demonstrates how all community members can play a role in combatting human trafficking and supporting survivors. Nicole McGrath, Owner of Breathe Barre and Pilates, shared why she wanted to get involved:
“We support this cause because the fight against child trafficking is a critical one that demands our attention and compassion. By standing in solidarity with survivors, we can help them reclaim their lives and build a brighter future. We have the opportunity to raise awareness and help survivors find solace, strength, and a sense of belonging on their journey towards recovery.”
A total of $1,300 was raised from this event to support Eleison’s mental health services for children who experienced OSEC. Eleison is grateful to the Breathe Barre and Pilates community, particularly Nicole McGrath and instructor Allison Baughman, for their help and generosity. Everyone has a part to play in combatting child trafficking. If you’re interested in getting your community involved in helping to end child trafficking, reach out to us here.
