What does IJM mean by structural prevention”?
IJM seeks to impact the structures that allow abuse to occur in order to create lasting change, protecting vulnerable individuals from future victimization. IJM pursues structural prevention by reducing the vulnerability of at-risk populations and providing training that empowers local authorities to stop abuse in their jurisdictions. IJM works in local communities to build social demand for professional, responsive law enforcement and judicial systems as well as build the capacity of those agencies to respond to injustice. Pursuing perpetrator accountability also creates a strong deterrent effect for future abuse: Most perpetrators of injustice against the poor do so because they believe they will not be held accountable for their actions. Perpetrators who choose to victimize the poor simply because it appears that they can are not brave people. Even a small number of convictions can have a large impact on reducing oppression, as would-be perpetrators adjust their behavior when the li
