How We Work

Intelligence-led.
Globally Connected.

This is how we work — not what we do, but how we do it. Our approach is what sets us apart in the fight against child sexual exploitation.

Intelligence-Led Investigations

Our Global Intelligence & Rescue Unit (GIRU) uses OSINT, digital forensics and cross-border analysis to map criminal networks and locate victims before action is taken.

Undercover & Field Operations

Trained operatives conduct field work in high-risk environments, gathering ground-level intelligence and building evidence that supports coordinated rescue missions.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

Every operation is carried out in partnership with law enforcement. GIRU shares intelligence with authorities for coordinated action — ensuring child safety and successful prosecution.

Survivor-Centered Approach

The safety and wellbeing of the child comes first in every decision. From rescue through recovery, our methodology centres on the needs, dignity and long-term future of each survivor.

Our Methodology

A dual model built on intelligence and partnership

Free a Girl is an NGO that works in collaboration with partners and authorities. We operate through two interconnected systems: a global network of carefully vetted local partners and our own specialised Global Intelligence & Rescue Unit (GIRU).

Local partners are embedded in the communities where exploitation occurs. They identify at-risk children, conduct rescue operations in coordination with local law enforcement, and provide immediate aftercare on the ground. In program countries, Free a Girl plays a supporting and facilitating role.

Cross-border Intelligence

GIRU focuses on intelligence gathering, case development, and supporting investigations into transnational networks. GIRU does not have law enforcement authority or arrest powers in the United States or Europe. When intelligence points to children at imminent risk, GIRU shares findings with law enforcement and local partners for coordinated action.

Always with Local Authorities

Every operation is carried out in partnership with law enforcement. GIRU is not a law enforcement agency — it works in collaboration with local partners and law enforcement agencies. This ensures the safety of children during interventions and maximises the chance of successful prosecution.

Report a Case

If you have information about child sexual exploitation, report it to the right place. For U.S. cases, contact NCMEC or local law enforcement. For transnational cases, you can submit a report to GIRU.

Report a Case →
01

Intelligence Gathering

Online analysis, digital forensics and field intelligence to identify targets and build evidence against criminal networks.

02

Partner Coordination

Intelligence is shared with vetted local partners and law enforcement agencies for coordinated planning.

03

Rescue Operations

Joint interventions with law enforcement to safely remove children from exploitative situations and arrest perpetrators.

04

Prosecution Support

Evidence packages, legal assistance and survivor support to ensure perpetrators face justice.

05

Aftercare & Recovery

Immediate protection, medical care, psychological support and long-term empowerment programs.

06

Monitoring & Evaluation

Continuous assessment of impact, accountability reporting and programme improvement through structured M&E systems.

Global Network

Who we work with

Our impact depends on strong, trusted partnerships across sectors and borders.

Law Enforcement

Police forces, national investigation agencies and international law enforcement bodies to coordinate rescue operations and bring perpetrators to justice.

Governments

National and regional governments to strengthen policy, reform legislation and build institutional capacity for child protection.

Local Partners

Carefully vetted NGOs and community organisations with deep local knowledge, trust and frontline access to vulnerable communities.

Accountability

Structured monitoring & evaluation

We operate through rigorous M&E systems that ensure every programme is delivering real results — and improving continuously.

Measuring what matters

Accountability and transparency are at the core of how we operate. Every programme is monitored against clear objectives, and impact data informs every decision we make.

Our structured evaluation systems ensure that we're not just doing work — we're doing the right work, in the right way, and continuously learning how to do it better.

Accountability

Clear objectives and transparent reporting to donors, partners and stakeholders

Transparency

Open data and regular impact reporting across all programme areas

Continuous Improvement

Data-driven programme refinement and learning across operations

Evidence-based

Every operation is built on verified intelligence and field data

Survivor-centred

The safety and wellbeing of the child comes first in every decision

Globally Connected

Cross-border cooperation and coordinated international operations

Partnership-driven

Trusted local partners and law enforcement at the heart of every operation

Join the Fight

Support our mission

Your contribution strengthens investigations, funds rescue operations and empowers survivors to rebuild their lives.