The Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Investigation division recently declared Nov. 18 as World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.
In a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release, the U.N. proclaimed the day as a time to shine light on child sexual exploitation and abuse and bring together stakeholders, such as HSI, which have worked together for more than two decades around the world to prevent it.
“HSI’s Project iGuardian is a great place to find valuable resources that can be used to educate parents, trusted adults and caregivers,” HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Katherine Greer said in the news release. “Utilizing the resources found there, coupled with public engagement are great steps toward increased protection of children and teens from predators.”
Child Exploitation Investigations Unit Acting Unit Chief Daniel Kenny insists the agency is committed, leaving no stone unturned in fulfilling its mission, the release reported.
“The Child Exploitation Investigations Unit employs the latest technology to collect evidence and track the activities of individuals and organized groups who sexually exploit children using websites, chat rooms, peer-to-peer trading and other internet-based platforms,” he said in the release. “We have had cases where predators exploited thousands of minors across the world – child exploitation is a major issue that permeates every landscape in America.”
With an overall goal of protecting children from exploitation by predators involved in the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, what separates HSI from other law enforcement agencies is its far-reaching legal authority to conduct federal criminal investigations into illegal cross-border movement of people, goods, money, technology and other contraband throughout the United States, according to the release.
“HSI’s special agents and victim assistance specialists place equal value on identifying and stabilizing victims while simultaneously investigating those who are suspected of engaging in child exploitation,” Greer said in the release. “But we need the community’s help to increase awareness and to report signs of potential abuse.”
