WHAT IS CSAM?
Child Sexual Abuse Material (legally known as child pornography) is a global pandemic.
Child Sexual Abuse Material, or CSAM, refers to any image or video showing the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under 18. These files are not just pictures — they are evidence of real crimes against real children. Every time an image is shared or viewed, that child is re-victimized, reliving their abuse all over again.
Today, CSAM is being spread across the same online spaces we all use — social media, gaming platforms, messaging apps, and email. This digital spread has made the crisis larger than ever, but it’s also made our mission clearer: to stop this abuse, rescue victims, and hold offenders accountable.
The NCMEC CyberTipline has received over 195 million reports related to CSAM since 1998.
In 2024 alone NCMEC received over 19 million reports
What is sextortion?
Sextortion is a growing form of child exploitation where predators threaten or blackmail children—often using private or sexual images—to demand more photos, videos, or even money. Many times, the child believes they’re talking to someone their own age, but the person behind the screen is a criminal using fake accounts, stolen images, and manipulation to gain control.
In recent years, sextortion cases have skyrocketed, with teenage boys being the most frequent targets. These crimes can start with a single message and quickly turn into fear, shame, and danger — but with awareness, education, and the right resources, we can stop it before it starts.
In 2024, NCMEC states the phenomenon of sextortion “continues to rise, with a significant increase in reports of online enticement” and they note “nearly 100 reports of financial sextortion per day”.
What Is Child Sex Trafficking?
Child sex trafficking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse. It occurs when a child under 18 is exploited through a sexual act in exchange for something of value—money, food, shelter, drugs, or even a false sense of love and safety.
Traffickers prey on vulnerability. They often target children who feel unseen, unloved, or unsupported—those who have faced abuse, homelessness, or broken trust. Using manipulation, intimidation, or fake affection, they gain control and exploit these children for profit.
Child sex trafficking can take many forms:
- A family member or relative may traffic the child for personal or financial gain.
- A stranger or online predator may build trust and then exploit that relationship.
- Gangs or organized groups may use violence and fear to control victims.
- Some offenders act alone, offering money or shelter directly to a child.
The impact is lifelong—emotional trauma, physical harm, and even death. But awareness and education can change that. The more we understand the signs, the better we can protect children and stop this abuse before it starts.
At Operation Light Shine, we work with law enforcement and community partners to identify victims, dismantle trafficking networks, and shine a light of hope for every child trapped in the darkness.
If you suspect a child is being trafficked or exploited, report it immediately to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at CyberTipline.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Every report matters. Every child deserves safety.
See the numbers for yourself
- In 2024, NCMEC received more than 27,800 reports of possible child sex trafficking
- 15 is the average age of child sex trafficking victims reported missing to NCMEC.
- 1 in 7 of the more than 29,000 cases of children reported missing to NCMEC in 2024 were likely victims of child sex trafficking.
- Of the children reported missing to NCMEC in 2024, who had run from the care of child welfare, 18 were likely victims of child sex trafficking.
The solution
Operation Light Shine’s mission is to create, fund, and equip INTERCEPT Task Forces across the country.
We provide everything these specialized units need to fight child exploitation and trafficking — from advanced technology and investigative software to data-analysis tools, enterprise systems, public and private partnerships, forensic support, subject-matter expertise, and ongoing training. We cover the operational costs that allow these teams to focus solely on protecting children, including essential equipment, infrastructure, and coordination needs.
Operation Light Shine created the INTERCEPT Task Force model to give law enforcement the resources, staffing, and support they need to identify and rescue victims, pursue offenders, and prevent future harm through community education and awareness. INTERCEPT brings together agencies and partners in a unified, multidisciplinary approach that strengthens investigations, accelerates victim identification, and expands the reach of those on the front lines.
INTERCEPT is a proven, scalable model that empowers law enforcement to move faster, respond smarter, and protect more children. Through Operation Light Shine’s investment and support, these teams have become a national example of what collaboration, innovation, and commitment can achieve in the fight against child exploitation and trafficking.
