Dressember Foundation

📣 Calling Dressember Moms—how has motherhood impacted your advocacy? Let us know in the comments. Blythe Hill, Dressember Founder, shares, "Every child is born deserving of love, safety, and freedom. I now see my advocacy as a vital part of creating a world where my children, and all children, can thrive without fear of exploitation." Read our latest blog post to learn how Blythe's "why" for fighting human trafficking has changed since becoming a mom at https://ow.ly/iXkB50SShzU

In 2022 alone, Honduran public records showed that 3,093 women were victims of femicides — the killing of a woman because of her gender. Yet 90% of femicides go unpunished. In the face of this abuse, IJM and partners launched a new project in Honduras with support from our offices in El Salvador and Guatemala. This project aims to build capacity to serve victims and survivors of violence, ensuring that Honduras can become a place where women and children can expect to be safe and protected. In November 2023, 80 women and girls from Intibucá, a rural region in Honduras gathered for a groundbreaking forum to discuss the obstacles they face as they seek protection and propose solutions to ease their access to justice and restoration services. 🌷 Learn more about how your support of Dressember helps combat violence against women and children: https://lnkd.in/eDWwaau5

The online world can be a dangerous place for children. But those dangers can be significantly reduced by combining rules and tools with trust and open conversations. Here International Justice Mission experts share some tips that can effectively reduce the risk of children being exploited or tricked by someone they meet online. Go to ijm.org/safeonline to read our recommended tips to keep kids safe online.

When a minor receives a photo or video of a nude online from someone they believe to be an adult, only 6% reach out to a trusted adult or caregiver for help*. As the internet becomes more integrated into every facet of our lives, children are being exposed to the digital world at an increasingly younger age. Criminals target children because they know minors are often easily deceived and don't understand the potential danger behind a screen. We can help equip our children to stay safe online. This Internet Safety Month, we've compiled a list of tips, resources and tools you can use to better protect kids and ensure their safety online. Go to ijm.org/safeonline to read our recommended tips to keep kids safe online. *Thorn Responding to Online Threats: Minors’ Perspectives on Disclosing, Reporting, and Blocking, 2019

In 2022, Zoey became a member of the Philippine Survivor Network, a group of survivors who are using their experience to lead a movement to protect others from violence. A few months later she seized an opportunity to testify in front of local lawmakers in the Philippines. Zoey bravely shared her story and advocated for solutions to protect children from online sexual exploitation. “The fight is not yet done. There is still a lot more to do. We need the help of lawmakers like you to ensure the safety, protection, and welfare of every Filipino child.” Join Zoey in protecting children from online sexual exploitation. Visit: https://ow.ly/Mij550SeEJg *Data from the Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council study.

At eight years old, Zoey was tricked by her sisters to join online conversations with foreign men, where she was sexually abused by her four elder sisters while the men on the other side of the screen paid to watch and direct her abuse. Sadly, Zoey’s story is all too common. Traffickers are often relatives or people known to the victim. The people who are supposed to be loving and protecting children are the ones manipulating and abusing them. Zoey's abuse lasted for four years. Years later, Swedish authorities arrested a perpetrator and digital forensic evidence from his arrest revealed that he was talking to multiple abusers in the Philippines – including Zoey’s sisters. Zoey, then 17, was rescued, and Dressember partner IJM’s team walked alongside her. She was brought to an aftercare shelter to keep her safe while moving forward in the legal process. Today, Zoey is an active member of the Philippine Survivor Network and dreams of becoming a licensed psychologist so that she can help other victims and survivors of online sexual exploitation of children. Read Zoey’s story: https://ow.ly/JUbJ50Sb52L

When Anniter was in high school, she was abused and became pregnant as a result. “That shattered my self-esteem,” she recalls. And for a long time after that, she felt she could not speak up. The heartbreaking reality is that many survivors of trafficking, intimate partner violence and sexual abuse feel the same as Anniter. They feel like they can’t speak up against violence and injustice, their stories are not worth telling and they’re alone. Through International Justice Mission's Global Survivor Network (GSN) chapter in Uganda, Rwenzori Empowered Women, Anniter found a community and was able to start her healing journey and renew her confidence to raise her voice against abuse. Each GSN around the world is embedded in their communities, understands the needs of their people, and is committed to supporting victims and survivors in the long run. They do this by building up resources like holistic aftercare, job skills training and placement, therapy, education, basic needs support, and more. To support more work like this, check out dressember.org.

"I am constantly in awe of the incredible Dressember advocate community. Your unwavering dedication and open-hearted approach to supporting victims and survivors of human trafficking and violence are truly remarkable. Thanks to you, people across the world are experiencing tangible freedom and healing. It’s important to address the often unseen side of everyday advocacy: the emotional cost of engaging in this important work. As we delve into the harsh realities of human trafficking through the Dressember campaign, we’re not just learning statistics or stories; we’re immersing ourselves in the trauma that survivors endure. This can take a toll on our own well-being, leading to what’s known as vicarious trauma." —Blythe Hill, Dressember Founder Prioritizing self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month learn how Blythe has experienced vicarious trauma through her Dressember advocacy (just like you may have) and her tips for how self-care can sustain your advocacy in our latest blog post at https://lnkd.in/gZjTtid4 #Dressember #SustainableAdvocacy #ItsBiggerThanAdress #VicariousTrauma #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

🚨 FALL INTERNSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TOMORROW! 🚨 If you've always wanted to be part of the team that makes the Dressember campaign happen, now is your chance... As an Intern for the Dressember campaign you will receive the opportunity to help equip thousands of peer-to-peer fundraisers during the peak of our campaign season to raise millions of dollars on behalf of IJM. Emmalee, a previous Dressember intern shares, "I gained valuable experience that will help me throughout my future career, have grown an individual and team member, and learned so much about how the Dressember campaign and IJM are working to end human trafficking in our lifetime. I would recommend this opportunity to everyone!" Make sure to apply before the May 1 deadline! To access the application or read more details about the qualifications for this internship (and many others at IJM's US Advancement Office!) visit this link: https://lnkd.in/ggEE3iy9

Meet Samara*. Her story isn't just about the pain of the past; it's a testament to her courageous journey toward justice and a new life. It all began when Samara* left home to meet a man from an internet dating site. What started as a hopeful encounter quickly spiraled into a nightmare of commercial sexual exploitation. The man sold Samara on the street, taking her passport and abusing her to keep her from leaving. After years of exploitation, Samara was finally released, traumatized and penniless. As beaten down as she felt, she pursued justice. With the help of Dressember partner International Justice Mission, she pressed charges against her former captor, resulting in a prison sentence and damages. From there, she began a journey of recovery and restoration, including medical care, emotional support and education. Samara is now learning business skills in the hopes of opening a flower shop. *Name changed to protect identity