Prevention · Intervention · Support
SOSA — Safe from Online Sex Abuse is a nonprofit organization working to create a safer world for kids.
SOSA combats sex abuse at every stage — before it happens, while a perpetrator is actively offending, and after harm has already taken place.
01 — Prevention
Education is key in stopping online sex abuse before it happens. We use our community presentations and extensive social media following to share info on red flags to look out for, strategies for enforcing online safety, and common abuse tactics.
More on trainings02 — Intervention
When kids are experiencing harm online, SOSA works directly with Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces to stop that abuse. In collaboration with law enforcement, we create decoys, communicate with adults contacting minors (ACMs), identify perpetrators, and compile evidence so offenders can be stopped. We also work with tech companies to help them build safer platforms for their users.
How undercover ops work03 — Support
After online sex abuse has taken place — whether recently or years in the past — SOSA provides support to survivors. We share information about how to report, direct survivors to key resources, and provide free therapy to those who otherwise would not have access to professional support.
Resources for survivorsHow our operations work
SOSA conducts undercover operations in direct partnership with ICAC task forces. We tailor each operation to fulfill the standards required by the prosecutors assigned to our cases.
Before we launch, the SOSA team establishes relationships with the county DA and ICAC department in order to conduct our efforts following the rules of engagement for prosecution.
How our operations workBefore an operation begins, we work with the county DA and ICAC department so that it meets the requirements for prosecution.
All evidence is logged and uploaded within four hours of a message being sent or received, and law enforcement is given access to follow the conversation in real time.
Our founder is present for every operation and testifies in court, under both direct and cross examination.
We present at ICAC conferences and departments on conducting operations and building believable undercover accounts.
Impact overview
Why it matters According to the Child Rescue Coalition, a predator typically has between 50 and 150 victims over a lifetime. Every arrest above interrupts that.
What people are saying
“I’m 15 and have been groomed since I was 11. Your videos have given me the bravery to speak up. Without your channel, I would have stayed silent and thought my abuser loved me.”
“It took a long time for me to get to a place where I felt safe enough to start my healing journey and SOSA opened the door for me. SOSA got me connected with an amazing therapist who has experience, is trauma-informed and cares deeply. Thank you for doing the searching for me.”
“Partnering with SOSA allows our team to dramatically improve our chat-based operations. SOSA consistently delivers specialized investigative capabilities and case outcomes that standard department budgets are simply not able to match.”
On YouTube
The continuation of Undercover Underage, our new series SOSA Undercover follows the SOSA team through our latest cases. Released on our own channel, SOSA Undercover is currently in its fifth season, additionally airing in the UK as Predator Files on Crime & Investigation.
On HBO Max
The series that started it all. Roo Powell and her team partner with ICAC task forces across the country to identify and arrest child predators, with the full operation shown from planning to arrest.
Passionate about supporting our work? Here are a couple of suggestions for how to help.
Everything we do to combat sex abuse and exploitation is made possible by donations.
