New Community Action Team to Combat Child Sexual Violence in Jinja
Why Jinja Needs a Community Response to Child Sexual Violence
For years, Rescue One More has prayed for an opportunity to expand into Jinja District, Uganda.
This month, that prayer became a reality.
We’re grateful to announce the launch of our newest Community Action Team (CAT) in Jinja, a major step forward in protecting children from sexual violence and helping survivors find safety, justice, and healing.
But this expansion isn’t simply about opening a new program. It’s about responding to a growing need.
The Challenge Facing Jinja
Jinja is known as Uganda’s adventure capital, attracting tourists from around the world. Yet beneath its vibrant economy lies a difficult reality.
Like many communities across Uganda, Jinja is facing a significant challenge with child sexual violence. Many children suffer abuse at the hands of someone they know and trust. Fear, shame, and stigma often prevent survivors from reporting what happened, while families may feel pressure to remain silent rather than pursue justice.
Even when abuse is reported, the response can become fragmented. Police, healthcare providers, probation officers, prosecutors, schools, and social workers often work independently, making it difficult for children to receive the coordinated care they desperately need.
A child who has experienced sexual violence shouldn’t have to navigate that system alone.
A Better Way Forward
That’s why Rescue One More partners with local leaders to establish Community Action Teams.
Rather than creating another standalone program, a Community Action Team brings together the professionals already responsible for protecting children, including law enforcement, prosecutors, probation and social welfare officers, healthcare providers, educators, social workers, and community leaders.
Together, they coordinate investigations, strengthen communication, review cases, and work collaboratively to ensure every child receives comprehensive care.
When communities respond together, children are safer. Cases move more effectively through the justice system. Survivors receive better support. And perpetrators are more likely to be held accountable.
This proven model has already transformed communities where Rescue One More serves, and we’re excited to see that same impact take root in Jinja.
More Than a Launch
Launching a Community Action Team is only the beginning.
We’re equally excited about our new Jinja team and shelter, where children who cannot safely remain at home can find protection, trauma-informed care, and hope for the future.
Just as importantly, we hope this work creates something that extends far beyond individual cases.
We want to see communities where conversations about child sexual violence are no longer hidden by fear or shame. Communities where parents know how to recognize abuse, neighbors know how to report concerns, professionals work together with trust and accountability, and children know they will be believed when they speak up.
That kind of cultural change doesn’t happen overnight.
It happens one conversation at a time.
One family at a time.
One child at a time.
Thank You for Making This Possible
As we reflect on this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude.
When Rescue One More first began, we wondered whether communities would embrace this mission. Would local leaders support it? Would families trust us enough to walk alongside them?
Again and again, the answer has been yes.
We’re grateful to the leaders in Jinja who welcomed this initiative, to the professionals who have committed to serving on the Community Action Team, and to every supporter who has prayed, given, and encouraged us along the way.
Together, we’re helping create communities where every child is safe, heard, protected, and given the opportunity to heal.
