February 2025
Tessa* is a 21-year-old survivor leader in the Philippines. She’s passionate about supporting her fellow survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation, raising awareness of this crime and advocating for more effective justice systems around the world.
When she was just eight years old, Tessa was abused by her aunt – who threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Tessa’s aunt sold images and recordings of the abuse to paying customers online.
It all began with a seemingly innocent invitation. Tessa and other children in their neighbourhood – her cousins and school friends – would often go to her aunt’s house to eat, play and watch films.
“That’s the thing I can’t forget. We were just playing and I thought that she invited me and my cousin to her house to play. I did not expect that we will go into the room and do those things.”
Tessa and her cousin were forced to pose naked and perform sex acts in front of a camera. Her aunt’s husband would sometimes stand by the door with a gun to ensure they complied.
“I felt uncomfortable after, but I just ignored it. I didn’t know that what she asked us to do was wrong. She gave us candy after.”
The case was referred to IJM and Philippine law enforcement partners from US Homeland Security Investigations, who were unable to identify the location of the perpetrator's residence. IJM investigators confirmed the reports of criminal activity and located the perpetrator.
Tessa was 11 when she and 12 other children were brought to safety, and taken to stay in a shelter. She received vital support to heal from an IJM social worker.
“My mother was pregnant when I was rescued. I did not meet my baby sister when she was born,” Tessa recalled sadly, remembering how she initially struggled to be away from her family.
Tessa’s aunt was arrested for sexually abusing her own children, nephews, nieces, and other children from their neighbourhood. But 10 years since IJM and police arrested her, Tessa and IJM's legal team are still pursuing justice.
“I am willing to testify, just in order to finish this case and for peace of mind,” Tessa shared.
“Sometimes, I feel angry. Sometimes, I feel pity. When I saw her in court, I cried. She’s still my aunt. There are still good memories together.”
Despite the difficulty of the ongoing trial and having to testify against members of her own family, Tessa remains firm in pursuing her dreams of becoming a teacher and seeing a world where children are safe.
In 2021, Tessa was invited to join the Philippine Survivor Network – a group of survivors supporting each other and advocating for an end to online sexual abuse, with IJM's support.
“It’s a group of people where you are allowed to share your opinion because they will respect you. They won’t judge you.”
Today, Tessa describes herself as independent, strong, and brave. She knows how different her life could have looked: “If I was not rescued, I would still be a victim.”
Don't miss the new BBC documentary, ‘Hunting The Online Sex Predators’ – featuring IJM’s work to stop online sexual exploitation of children and Cassie*, another member of the Philippine Survivor Network.
*Pseudonym. Images obscured to protect survivor’s identity.