Amanda Griffin Jacob is a familiar face in the Philippines and Singapore. She is a model, a TV personality, an entrepreneur, a social media influencer and a proud mother of four.

What many may not be aware of is that Amanda is a staunch advocate against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC).

Amanda was shocked upon learning that the Philippines was labelled the global epicentre of OSEC by UNICEF in 2016. She could not turn her back on the children who were victims of this hideous crime.

“No one else was speaking up, so I knew I wanted to use my voice for the voiceless children,” says Amanda. “No child should go through this.”

OSEC is a form of exploitation and child sexual abuse that occurs virtually, on websites and social media platforms, according to World Hope International. It includes the manufacturing and distribution of materials online that contain child abuse images, live-streaming of and the grooming of child victims online with the purpose of sexual exploitation or abuse.

A study finding released last year by Washington-based NGO International Justice Mission (IJM) reported that within three years the estimated prevalence of internet-based child sexual exploitation in the Philippines had more than tripled. Around 4 in 5 cases involve parents and relatives, who live-stream the sexual exploitation of children to paying child sex offenders around the world.

WS talks to Amanda who was recently named IJM’s first Ambassador and Lead Influencer, spearheading two online campaigns, and participating as a speaker at the Global Resolve Against OSEC Summit.

WS: What made you choose this advocacy amongst others? 

AGJ: The Philippines, unfortunately, has its inequitable number of difficulties. There are so many areas that need help. In general, I always try to be of service wherever I can, but for the past few years, I was really looking for an advocacy where I could focus all my efforts to effect real change. Strangely enough, I found out about the online sexual exploitation of Filipino children here in Singapore.

The stories that I had read and learned about kept replaying in my mind as I looked at the kids. It was heart wrenching. But at the same time, I left hopeful, because these children are resilient. With the right aftercare programs and guidance, there is a high chance of rehabilitation and healing for them. No child should ever go through this. The second visit was easier as I knew what to expect and how I would feel.

WS:  What milestones has IJM accomplished in eradicating online child exploitation?

AGJ: Ending the online sexual exploitation of children, particularly in the Philippines where this issue is widespread, will take an entire ecosystem of support, including advocacy efforts like the ones I lead as an Ambassador. 

In 2020, even in the midst of global COVID-19 lockdowns, we achieved two very successful awareness and fundraising campaigns in partnership with leading social media influencers from the Philippines and around the world. Our two videos [links at the bottom of the page] collectively received over six million views and raised US$50,000 for IJM’s work in the Philippines. 

Awareness of this crime plays a critical role in ending it, not least because the penalty for facilitating the online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines – life imprisonment, or 15 years in a plea bargain arrangement – is a very strong deterrent. 

The Philippine Government is leading the world in its response to tackling this issue and has created a model that other countries are now learning from when it comes to addressing this heinous crime of online sexual exploitation of children.

Despite the unprecedented lockdown in the Philippines in 2020, IJM and our local partners rescued 177 children across 49 law enforcement operations, which led to the arrests of 33 suspects. 

In May 2020, IJM also supported the first-ever e-conviction of an American online sex offender who was convicted of sexually abusing Filipino children, in addition to 17 other convictions made during the lockdown.  

I am encouraged that IJM is playing such a critical role in the movement to end the online sexual exploitation of children, not only in the Philippines but around the world, and am grateful to be doing my part in these efforts to significantly improve protection for children.

WS:  As a mother, what is your take on technology with your children, especially during these difficult pandemic times?

AGJ: Gosh, that’s a difficult question. Obviously, we all enjoy the advancements that technology provides us. But I am really concerned for my children. Due to home-based learning, I’m currently having issues with my 11-year-old and what he is able to access on the internet. 

How do you protect your children from the evils of the web? When they’re all so curious, as children are, and much better at tech than their parents (in most cases). From my work, I know how much evil is out there online. I know how easy it is for predators to target and prey on children. But at the same time withholding access to technology isn’t the right avenue as they need it for schoolwork and socialising with their peers during times of lockdown.

WS:  Tell us about yourself. It takes a certain personality to pursue one’s passions with such discipline. How did you develop this?

AGJ: I’ve always had a strong work ethic and I am quite disciplined. I think I was very influenced by observing my father throughout his life. He had such zest for living and tackled his passions head-on and with grit. Failure never fazed him. However, while he was hardworking, he was not very disciplined. So, I’ve always thought, if I want to achieve something and am passionate about it, then I need to work hard, be focused and regimented and the end result will come. 

My inner sense of discipline has always been there, but I’ve definitely honed it over the years. Having said that, I also know when I need to draw the line and have fun. You only have one life after all, and it should be cherished and enjoyed. 

Karmela | ws 

Must-see OSEC videos: We Need To Listen and Don’t Just Send Flowers

www.ijm.org  |  http://amandagriffinjacob.com/about/