Esther* grew up in rural Ghana, hours from the waters of Lake Volta. When a woman approached her parents, claiming there was a family near the lake who would send their daughter to school, they allowed the woman to take her.

The promise of an education was a lie.

She was enslaved in the fishing industry and abused physically, verbally and emotionally for almost a decade.

IJM along with local law enforcement heard of Esther's abuse and brought her to safety. One of the first things Esther did with her freedom was to provide IJM and police with information about where her friends were being held, as a result a further nine children rescued - because she spoke up.

Today Esther is safe at an aftercare home while the trial against the woman who trafficked her is underway.

She is finally able to have an education and has the opportunity to freely play games with her friends and do art, which she loves. She dreams of becoming a fashion designer.

From smartphones to clothing, exploitation is hidden in the supply chains of many products that we use every day. In fact, 77% of UK businesses believe there is a likelihood of slavery in their supply chain. The top five UK products at risk of slavery in their supply chains are: Tech, clothing, fish, cocoa and coffee (Global Slavery Index).

Supported by people like you, IJM's team of investigators, social workers, lawyers and activists find out where slavery is happening, partner with local authorities on rescue operations, prosecute traffickers and restore survivors.

We've helped free over 53,000 people from slavery and violence and seen slavery decrease by up to 86% in places where we've worked. Together, we can end slavery in our lifetime.