What is the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC)?
OSAEC is the production, online publication, and consumption of photos, videos, and livestreams of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. It is prevalent in the Philippines because of the rampant poverty and the wide use of English. Often, the children’s own families perpetrate the abuse to make easy money.
How does OSAEC affect children and youth?
Cybersex den operators and perpetrators of OSAEC have sexually assaulted, raped, tortured, and beaten children – and even caused the death of a child. OSAEC causes serious damage to children’s psychosocial well-being and development. It also increases their vulnerability to further abuse and exploitation.
What is ChildFund doing to #ShutdownOSAEC?
We work to influence decision makers and legislators to update national laws to protect children online and improve local law enforcement and prosecution. We launched the #ShutdownOSAEC campaign, which used traditional and social media to spread the word and gain public support. We also trained children and youth spokespersons for the campaign and tapped policy makers and celebrities as anti-OSAEC champions. The campaign paved the way for the passing of RA 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC Law in 2022.