Spread the Word to Help Stop Child Exploitation

Last year, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®(NCMEC) received an urgent report from internet providers regarding an individual who had uploaded graphic child sexual abuse images. NCMEC analysts reviewed the report and developed critical information about the reported individual, including a potential location in Orlando, Florida. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, NCMEC immediately notified Florida law enforcement. Law enforcement quickly responded, investigated and arrested an individual. Detectives reported that the arrested man had used the Internet in an elaborate scheme to recruit underage actresses with the hope of raping and murdering the children. He allegedly planned to record the rape and murder and sell it on DVD. With the help of NCMEC, law enforcement was able to stop him before he carried out his deadly intentions.

Unfortunately, child sexual exploitation like this is not uncommon in the U.S. NCMEC's CyberTipline has received more than 3.3 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation since its launch in 1998. That’s millions of instances in which a child was at risk of sexual exploitation, just like the above story.

Despite the many strides made in the last few decades, child sexual exploitation is still a largely unrecognized and underreported problem in the United States. In order to make a difference and prevent these incidents communities must take action.

What would happen if no one spoke out about missing and exploited children?

Please take action to spread the word about NCMEC's work and the importance of speaking out when you suspect something suspicious.