shield arrow-simple-alt-top arrow-simple-alt-left arrow-simple-alt-right arrow-simple-alt-bottom facebook instagram linkedin medium pinterest rss search-alt shaper twitter video-play arrow-long-right arrow-long-left arrow-long-top arrow-long-bottom arrow-simple-right arrow-simple-left arrow-simple-bottom readio arrow-simple-top speaker-down plus minus cloud hb pin camera globe cart rotate Group-35 star edit arrow-top arrow-right arrow-left arrow-bottom check search Close square speaker-up speaker-mute return play pause love new-tab equalizer
Back to Stories

Pioneering advance in protecting children from facing abusers in court

Share

Pioneering advance in protecting children from facing abusers in court

IJM has published the first definitive guide to conducting videotaped interviews (VIDI), shielding survivors from testifying in front of abusers.

T

estifying in front of the people who abused them is extremely distressing for survivors of online sexual exploitation – especially as abusers are often family members.

Facing their abuser can also negatively affect a child’s testimony – impacting whether the abuser is convicted.

That’s why IJM recently published the first definitive guide to conducting videotaped interviews (VIDI).

The resource uses years of legal, academic and practical knowledge to present the model for conducting interviews that can be recorded and used throughout investigations, court procedures and in aftercare, shielding survivors from multiple retellings of their abuse.

“I recovered well because of the help of VIDI.”Briella*, a survivor of online sexual exploitation

Using video recordings has so far spared over 131 children like Briella from having to relive their traumatic experiences in court.

Together with the Philippine government, IJM pioneers the advancement of trauma-informed, child-protective prosecutions, as we continue the fight against online sexual exploitation of children – one of the world’s fastest, borderless crimes.

“In releasing this publication, it is our hope to mainstream VIDIs as a child-protective and victim-centric prosecution strategy in court proceedings,” said Prosecutor Wendell P. Bendoval, Executive Director of the Philippines Department of Justice’s Interagency Council Against Trafficking.

“The Philippines government has never been more equipped to carry the mission forward. Together, let us build a robust system of protection for the young and the vulnerable.”

Thanks to the support of people like you, we’re helping children recover from abuse and ensuring that abusers can’t harm others. Thank you.

You might also be interested in…

About Stories see more
“I want to let others know how I endured my past.” - Zoey's story

Zoey* overcame child trafficking and abuse. Today, she's passionate about sharing her story to help protect more children.

1 in 100 Filipino children trafficked to produce new child sexual exploitation materials in 2022

IJM and the University of Nottingham Rights Lab release first of its kind prevalence study.

What Aaron survived, no child should suffer

Help bring children like Aaron* to safety now from online sexual exploitation. Donate now.

Four children rescued from online sexual exploitation |

4 children were brought to SAFETY from #onlinechildsexualabuse, thanks to IJM and trained police. One male suspect (the uncle of the four victims) has been arrested on charges of their abuse.

You Can Help Send Rescue Today.

When you give a gift today, you’ll be fighting slavery, violence, and injustice across the globe. Together, we can end slavery and violence in our lifetime.

You can make the most impact as a Freedom Partner today.

Your generous monthly support will help send rescue to vulnerable children and families at a moment’s notice, stand with them as they rebuild their lives in freedom and have perpetrators held accountable.

Login

Donor Portal

Review your giving, tax statements and contact info via the IJM Donor Portal.

please sign in
Email Sign Up
Get updates from IJM on stories from the field, events in your area and opportunities to get involved.
sign up