“My life before I was rescued? I like to fight.”

Those are the words of a young survivor of human trafficking who found himself growing up in an abusive environment. For most of his eleven years, he experienced ongoing pain and trauma. Conflict, harsh language, and online trafficking left their marks, and acting out was a natural form of managing the stress he lived through at home.

Every year, the celebration of Christmas brings hope to many people. Likewise, Shechem Children’s Home has been sharing and giving hope. 

Shechem, which is located in Manila, Philippines, provides Christ-centered, family-oriented care, protection, comprehensive assessment, and assists with finding long-term placements for children rescued from online sexual abuse and exploitation. This intensive care in the first months after the rescue helps lead to the children's healing, resiliency, well-being, and hope for their future.

The Shechem Children’s Home is a short-term assessment center for survivors of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). This is a form of human trafficking where images or videos of children performing sexual acts are sold over the internet. It is a growing problem globally and in the Philippines, where Shechem is located. Because the vast majority of perpetrators are direct relatives of the children, it can take time after rescue to locate safe, long-term housing options. Shechem steps into the gap and provides a safe place for healing to begin.