How to help a person who has become a victim of human trafficking
July 30 is the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. On this day, we remember that slavery is a problem not only of the past, but also of our present. For example, on July 11, after media publications, it became known that several citizens of Belarus were rescued from sexual slavery in Israel. The organizers of human trafficking were four Israelis and one Russian. During the search, they found about $600,000, two premium cars, mobile phones and computers.
Although anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, some categories of people fall into slavery more often. Women, children, migrants, as well as people who go abroad to earn money and work illegally are at the greatest risk.
In addition, there is a link between domestic violence and human trafficking: questionnaires of victims of human trafficking revealed that 50% of victims were subjected to physical, sexual and psychological violence in the family, and 10% — only psychological violence.
What help can victims of human trafficking receive?

The Republic of Belarus was the first in the post-Soviet space to launch a global campaign against human trafficking and is currently one of the main initiators of the fight against human trafficking at the international level.
In Belarus, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Belarus, the NGO "Club of Business Women", and the Belarusian Red Cross provide assistance to victims of human trafficking. If you or someone you know has become a victim of human trafficking, the best thing you can do in such a situation is to seek help from professionals in these organizations.
Since 2003, the "Club of Business Women", with the support of the IOM in Belarus, has been administering a hotline for safe travel, stay abroad and combating human trafficking. The hotline provides information support on these issues, as well as on the prevention of crimes against the sexual integrity or sexual freedom of minors.
If you have become a victim of labor, sexual or other exploitation, you can contact the hotline every day from 8:00 to 20:00. Our specialists will advise you and, if necessary, refer you to organizations that will provide assistance.
Here is the assistance that victims of human trafficking in the Republic of Belarus can receive:
1) Meeting victims upon their arrival home (at the airport, station, etc.);
2) Assistance in returning from another country;
3) Family support (psychological and humanitarian);
4) Search and provision of temporary shelter;
5) Assistance in returning home – contact with relatives, purchase of tickets;
6) Assistance in employment and retraining (opportunity to study and retrain on courses);
7) Counseling from psychologists and lawyers;
8) Counseling regarding court hearings, filing complaints with law enforcement agencies, representation of victims' interests in court, etc. (creation of special conditions in pre-trial proceedings for minors: ensuring safety, presence of parents, social workers, psychologists);
9) Work with the victim's family.
Permission from parents, guardian or guardianship authorities is required to provide assistance to minor victims.
You can find out more about the activities of the Business Women's Club and the issues for which you can get information on the hotline
on our website. Our social networks:
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