Learn About IJM
IJM combats violence by partnering with local authorities to rescue victims, support survivors, and strengthen justice systems.
OUR MISSION
Until All Are Free
IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.
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490,000
VICTIMS BROUGHT TO FREEDOM
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8,400+
PERPETRATORS CONVICTED
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431K+
JUSTICE OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TRAINED
Community Protection Model
IJM partners with governments and organizations around the world to build safer communities by focusing on four areas of development that are proven to bring transformation that lasts:
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STRENGTHENING
JUSTICE SYSTEMS -
BRINGING CRIMINALS
TO JUSTICE -
RESCUING AND RESTORING
VICTIMS -
SCALING DEMAND FOR
PROTECTION
HISTORY OF IJM
A LEGACY OF PROTECTION
Since 1997, courageous partners worldwide have partnered with us to bring freedom and safety to vulnerable children, women and men. From our first rescue operations to our rapid global expansion, IJM has protected over 10 million vulnerable people.
The Spark: A Vision for Justice
After witnessing the Rwandan genocide, Gary Haugen founded IJM to protect the poor from violence—sparking global support and urgent early rescues.
Building a Global Movement
IJM launched offices across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, partnering with governments to rescue victims, reform systems, and transform public perception.
Proof of Transformation
IJM’s model proved justice works: trafficking dropped 79% in the Philippines and 73% in Cambodia, as nations saw safer communities through accountability.
Scaling Protection for Millions
Even amid the pandemic, IJM helped free thousands from slavery. Now active in 19 countries, it aims to cut violence by 85% across 25 nations by 2030.
Survivor Stories
Lives Transformed by Justice
Real stories from people who have experienced freedom, restoration, and hope after violence.
Ruby* was trafficked through a fake job offer and coerced into online sexual exploitation. After her rescue, she became a global advocate and now dreams of becoming a lawyer to pursue justice for others like her.
Appa Rao* left home to earn money for a small gift for his daughter, and was trapped in bonded labor for 22 years. After his rescue, IJM helped reunite him with his family, where he’s rediscovering the simple joys of freedom.
Alice* was just 14 when fear forced her to leave school. The man she trusted became her abuser – isolating her and violently attacking her. When she chose to report him, IJM helped her access medical care, counseling and justice.
Freedom in Numbers
Over the last four years, IJM has helped relieve the equivalent of 1 person every hour from violence. Here’s how that adds up over time.
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3,597
CHILDREN, WOMEN AND MEN RELIEVED FROM VIOLENCE IN 2024
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43,590
OFFICIALS TRAINED TO BETTER PROTECT THEIR COMMUNITIES IN 2024
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10.8M
PEOPLE PROTECTED TO DATE FROM EXPERIENCING VIOLENCE SINCE 1997