US & International
New Zealand
United KingdomFighting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC)
What is OSEC?
The Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) is the internet-facilitated abuse of children.
The internet has changed the way we access the world. Unfortunately, human traffickers and child abusers have seized the opportunity, using the web to exploit a greater number of children. The Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) is a devastating and rapidly growing global crisis. Traffickers use digital platforms to target, exploit, and abuse children—often beyond the reach of traditional law enforcement.
Despite being “virtual,” the damage caused by OSEC is still very real to and damaging to victims. Not only must many endure physical and sexual abuse, but victims live out their lives knowing vulnerable images and videos of their abuse may live on for many years as they are passed around by perpetrators on the internet.
The Global Reality of Online Child Exploitation
“In addition, 300 million+ children under the age of 18 have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the last 12 months, many of whom could face physical abuse.”
– Childlight Global Child Safety Institute Annual Report, 2024
OSEC is a hidden crime happening in plain sight. Encrypted messaging, dark web marketplaces and anonymous transactions enable predators to operate unchecked.
But the global anti-trafficking industry is refusing to let them win!
Our Response:
A Counter-OSEC Partnership
We have heard the cries of the hidden victims traumatised by these devastating crimes, and so have countless entities fighting online child exploitation worldwide.
Destiny Rescue and the Global Counter-Trafficking Group (GCG) partner to operate Scientia, a groundbreaking collaboration that rescues victims of the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) through law enforcement collaboration and systemic change initiatives.
The collaboration partners with government units, law enforcement agencies, NGOs and private sector entities globally to dismantle criminal networks, support survivors and create systemic change by:
— Identifying & Rescuing Victims – Using advanced digital forensics to uncover children trapped in online exploitation.
— Empowering Law Enforcement – Providing investigative support and forensic capabilities to help officers track and apprehend perpetrators.
— Supporting investigations – Leading to the arrests and convictions of traffickers.
GOALS OF THE DEDICATED COUNTER-OSEC PARTNERSHIP
The following values guide The Scientia Program’s activities in the fight against OSEC:
ENHANCE
The Scientia Program has provided access to cutting-edge technologies for its partners and law enforcement agencies to support the development, investigation and prosecution of offenders in OSEC operations. From facial recognition software to AI integration, its technology package allows for increased efficiency.
EMPOWER
The Scientia team has trained individuals from over a dozen non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). Counter-OSEC training includes open-source intelligence, digital forensics, and peer-to-peer networks, as well as using Scientia and investigating exploitation via mobile devices.
COLLABORATE
We know that working together leads to more children being rescued. Scientia efforts have directly supported numerous law enforcement and NGO cases against traffickers, leading to the rescue of children and the arrest of perpetrators and sex buyers.
Destiny Rescue is combating child online sexual exploitation through its partnership in The Scientia Program and through other innovative efforts, culminating in:
Investigating Australian Perpetrators:
In 2023, Destiny Rescue referred 395 suspected offenders to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for investigation—highlighting the global reach of this crime.
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How the Scientia collaboration is fighting OSEC
Training & Capacity Building:
The Scientia Program has trained many NGOs and law enforcement agencies in:
✔️ Open-source intelligence
✔️ Digital forensics & cybercrime investigation
✔️ Peer-to-peer network analysis
✔️ Mobile device exploitation
Advanced Technology & Investigations:
Through strategic partnerships, Scientia provides law enforcement with the latest AI-powered forensics tools to:
✔️ Unmask traffickers operating online
✔️ Trace cryptocurrency payments linked to child exploitation
✔️ Strengthen evidence for successful convictions
Direct Operational Support:
The Scientia Program works alongside law enforcement and NGOs to conduct real-time investigations, rescue children and ensure traffickers face justice.
Join the Fight Against OSEC
The battle against online child exploitation is urgent. Every second matters. Could you stand with us?
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Every child deserves freedom and a future.
Together, we can make it happen.
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