Information taking from:
- Standard Operating Procedure: Trafficking in Persons: Victim Identification, Victim Assistance and Referral system
- Meetings with KZN human trafficking task team
- National Policy Framework for Prevention and combating Trafficking in Persons
Identification of potential and presumed victims of trafficking in persons is an authentic challenge for many reasons. To name but a few, trafficking tends to be a hidden phenomenon; trafficked persons are too scared to come forward or do not identify as victims and rights’ holders; stakeholders are often not trained on identifying and helping victims. Identification of a trafficked person can be a complex and time-consuming process because of the complexity of the criminal case or the time necessary for a victim to severe ties with their traffickers and exploiters, recover and speak out. Therefore, in many instances, identification is more a process rather than a result of a prompt act. Nevertheless, it needs to be carried out quickly and accurately to help and protect victims.
- Clues for Potential Victim of Trafficking or a Perpetrator:
(Refer to ‘ID human trafficking’ Document as well)
· Who does the talking? | · In many cases, a perpetrator will attempt to talk for a victim. The last thing the trafficker wants is for the victim to talk to a member. |
· Who is in possession of personal and travel documents? | · Perpetrators often take control of the victim’s travel and other documents in order to exercise control over them. |
· Who has the money? | · Victims rarely have money. Perpetrators often have access to money. Inquire to determine who is in possession of the money. |
· Who are friends with whom? What do people in a group know about each other? | · In a normal relationship, people know each other by names and will be aware of personal information about each other. |
· Is anyone injured? | · Victims might have injuries as a result of exploitation. |
· How did they get here? | · Perpetrators use particular routes to move victims (long and round about routes). |
· Why are they there? | · Find out from the suspected victims what their initial expectations were, what they have been promised. |
- If you suspect a potential victim of trafficking:
Try gather as much information as possible including
- the name, surname and contact details of the victim;
- the location of the victim;
- the age of the victim and physical description;
- whether the victim is in any danger and the nature of danger; and
- whether the victim needs to be rescued and whether there are other victims, if so, how many.
- Assess the victim’s immediate needs for care and services.
- Ask for their story, try write down what they share with you after you finish talking with them – names of people, places, any circumstantial evidence that could assist police in a raid etc.
Contact or go directly to the closest police station in your area is your first point of call – police should use “Screening Interview Form” to assist with the profiling of the victims of trafficking in persons. A case docket should be opened.
The police should contact a social worker from Department of Social Development and they should refer victim to a registered place of Safety.
Open Door Crisis Centre in Pinetown is a registered place of safety +27 31 709 2679.
NB contact details :
If you can’t get to police station – you can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Line – 0800 222 777 or report via website www.0800222777.org.za
Dawn Coleman Malinga – Head of KZN Task Team