aron was sexually abused by his biological father, so that he could sell the footage to sex offenders online, including in places like the UK. But today, Aaron is safe.
This is Aaron's story - as told by his foster parents.
"Christmas is a special time for our family.
Aaron* really loves this season -from our tradition of gathering together as a family on Christmas Eve, to the Christmas parties where he can play with lots of other children.
Aaron is a happy child.
He likes to make jokes, he smiles a lot, he dances and sings along when he hears music played on TV or the radio. It’s a joy for us to see him having fun. In so many ways, Aaron is just like every other child getting excited about Christmas. But seeing Aaron laughing and playing isn’t something we take for granted. It’s been a long journey to get to this point. Aaron’s earliest years will always be difficult to comprehend.
He was only two years old when his biological father sexually abused him, so that he could sell the footage to customers online."
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"It’s painful to think of our little boy in such a dark situation. Many children are afraid of the dark, but most children know that their parents will keep them safe. In Aaron’s earliest memories, he is alone and afraid, not knowing if the darkness will ever end. It breaks our hearts to know that one of his first words was “momo”, which means monster.
But one day, the light broke in.
IJM worked with police to investigate his abuse and his father wasarrested. When IJM staff found him, Aaron was tiny and fragile. He was brought to safety at an aftercare centre, where he was finally given the care he so desperately longed for. At first, he had nightmares. But with trauma therapy, Aaron began to play and laugh."
Today you can help bring children like Aaron to safety from online sexual exploitation.
"When we were asked if we could foster Aaron, we immediately said yes.
Having had specialist one-to-one training on trauma-informed care from IJM, we are able to give him the most supporting and loving home possible. The home he deserves. Aaron still has difficult days -he struggled early on in school, but with our support he’s really improving. Aaron’s now able to write his name and joins in with the other children in class.
This is now our third Christmas with Aaron."
"Aaron says that we are his home -and this is where he feels safest.
We can’t wait for him to wake up on Christmas morning, knowing he is safe and loved –free to be a child, as he should be."
— Written by Aaron's Nanay and Tatay, foster mother and father.
*Pseudonym and stock images used to protect the survivor.