Human trafficking is most often (though not always!) associated with two concepts: foreign countries and work. The typical stories of individuals who have survived human trafficking almost always revolve around an enticing job offer abroad that turns into sexual exploitation, hard physical labor, domestic servitude, and so on.

It’s different in cases of forced marriages, adoptions, organ trafficking, etc., where traffickers often abduct their victims; buy children from their biological parents; or promise women a wealthy husband and a good life, and so forth.

THAT’S WHY YOU SHOULD BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

Travel: Tell someone about your travel plans; keep your phone switched on and stay reachable; if traveling abroad, save the contact numbers of Slovenian embassies, local police, and organizations that assist victims of crime; take care of your personal documents – don’t give them to anyone, make copies and hide them in different places in your clothing, bag, or backpack.

Working abroad: Make sure you know the source of the job offer and get information about the employer; agree on work conditions before starting and demand a written contract. Društvo Ključ can help you check the credibility and reliability of the employer and review your employment contract.

Online chat rooms: They allow users to remain anonymous, which means you might come across criminals. Be cautious before meeting someone in person; never go alone to the first meeting – arrange to meet in a public, busy place; let your parents, friends, or someone you trust know where you’re going.

Falling in love: Criminal groups often include so-called loverboys – men whose task is to seduce girls. They flatter them, promise a better life, give them gifts, and gradually create emotional dependency. They often seem to have money even though they don’t work. In the end, they hand the girl over to traffickers.

DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SOUND FAMILIAR?
– You’re willing to do occasional jobs even without a contract.
– You’re going through a life crisis and feel like running away from everything.
– You’re seeking adventure, travel, and meeting new people.
– You trust people quickly and fall in love easily.
– You don’t verify information and take people at their word.
– You received an enticing job offer, but you don’t know the employer.
– Someone else is taking care of all the arrangements for your work and/or travel.

IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO EVEN ONE OF THESE, YOU MAY BE AT RISK OF BECOMING A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING!