Comprehensive Care for Victims of Human Trafficking

Društvo Ključ has been implementing the Victim Care Program since 2001. Over the years, based on newly acquired knowledge and experience, the program has expanded to ensure comprehensive services for individuals who have endured traumatic experiences of exploitation. The program provides concrete, free assistance to victims of human trafficking—both foreign nationals exposed to forced sexual and other forms of exploitation in Slovenia and Slovenian citizens who have become victims either in Slovenia or abroad.

Services include a counselling hotline, psychosocial support, assistance in removing victims from dangerous situations (nightclubs, apartments, construction sites, etc.), crisis accommodation, placement in a safe space, assistance with establishing contact with law enforcement (including accompaniment when filing a police report or testifying in court), help with organizing return to the country of origin if desired, and referral to a similar organization in the country of origin.

Victims of human trafficking are often trapped in situations of captivity and subjected to various forms of violence, which become a part of their daily lives. These critical life events can profoundly alter their social, family, physical, and psychological well-being. The consequences are often visible and felt days, months, or even years later. Through the process of support, traumatic and chaotic experiences—once impossible to articulate—are first shaped into structured narratives. These stories contain two parts: in one, the events are organized and verbalized; in the other, the person communicates the fear, terror, humiliation, and helplessness they felt.

One of the most common long-term consequences of traumatic events like human trafficking is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD presents with a variety of symptoms, not all of which are necessarily present. Some may be more pronounced than others. Even in safe environments, individuals may experience intense fear, anxiety, physical restlessness, and other strong emotional reactions. They often relive the traumatic event through thoughts, dreams, and vivid flashbacks triggered by sounds, images, smells, or circumstances that remind them of their experience. Symptoms may also include emotional numbness, headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and other impairments that hinder intellectual functioning. For trauma to begin healing, it is essential that survivors have the opportunity to speak about their experiences in an environment of trust and support.

As an extension of the Care Program, Društvo Ključ also runs a (Re)integration Program for victims of trafficking. Some victims cannot or do not wish to return to their country of origin due to the violence they endured or continued threats from traffickers. Our goal is to provide them with a life free from violence and human rights violations.

The (Re)integration program includes Slovenian language lessons (for foreign nationals), access to education or recognition of previously acquired qualifications, assistance in job searching, structured leisure time through volunteer work, and other activities based on the individual’s interests (sports, arts and crafts, music school, etc.).

From 2016 to 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia co-financed the Reintegration of Victims of Human Trafficking project. The main goal of the project was to establish systemic solutions for victims undergoing reintegration. As part of the project, an e-publication titled e-Publication (Re)integration was also created.

In 2019, we added a module titled Take Care of Yourself, co-financed by the Ministry of Health. The aim of this module is to encourage a healthy lifestyle and self-care among individuals with trafficking experiences. We strive to inform and educate potential and actual victims participating in our programs about the importance of changing their view of themselves and their past traumatic experiences, to overcome psychosomatic symptoms, improve their overall health, and lead a better quality of life. We also aim to ensure equal access to healthcare services and appropriate treatment by healthcare professionals.

In 2019, the implementation of the project and its components was co-financed by the Ministry of the Interior (MNZ), City of Ljubljana (MOL), FIHO (Foundation for Financing Disability and Humanitarian Organizations), Ministry of Health (MZ), and the Slovenian Police.