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What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. It is a crime where a person is exploiting another person to gain money for his own benefit. The human traffickers control their victims by taking advantage of their vulnerable situation. Often, they use physical or psychological violence and limit the victim’s freedom. But they can also maintain their victims in a situation of economic dependence (for housing, food, documents), and/or simply abuse a victim’s vulnerable position. Traffickers can operate as part of a criminal network but can also act alone.

Human trafficking can affect everyone: adults and children; male, female and transgender; from all nationalities (Belgian, EU and non-EU). You could also be or become a victim!

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Human trafficking can take different forms

Sexual exploitation

Victims of sexual exploitation must perform sexual services to earn money for the exploiter. The exploiter can force, manipulate or persuade their victim with the promise of goods, money, or a better life. This does not only happen in prostitution, but also in the porn industry, in escort services and on the internet.

Labour exploitation

Victims must work in conditions contrary to human dignity: such as very long hours for little or no salary in bad conditions. They are often isolated and/or depend on their employer for food, housing, access to healthcare and/or social contacts. Victims of labour exploitation are found working in almost all sectors, (restaurants, agriculture, construction, and many more).

Forced criminality

Victims of forced crime are obliged to commit crimes against their will, for the profit of someone else. The exploiter uses different methods such as violence, deception, drugs addictions or debts, to take control over their victim and to coerce them into committing illegal acts. This type of exploitation can often happen in youth gangs.

Exploitation of begging

Victims have to beg for the profit of the exploiter, who often is a family member, a member of their clan or a network. They are under continuous control and pressure, and they endure violence and threats if they do not collect enough money.

Illegal removal of organs

Victims are exploited for bodily parts. Exploiters deceive them into ‘selling’ their organs for very little money, with false promises and/or by using violence and make a significant profit when reselling it.

What happens when you contact us?

We will listen to you

Together we will evaluate your situation and your needs. If we consider that you may be a victim of human trafficking, we will invite you to a local care centre to know more about your situation.
If we consider that your situation is not one of human trafficking, we will do our best to find an organisation better suited to help you.

We will talk with you

During the meeting in our office we will further talk with you, and if it becomes clear that you are a presumed victim of human trafficking, we will explain everything concerning your rights, about possible support, and about the victim protection procedure.

We offer you support

You will then have the choice to do what you want: you can accept our offer to enter the protection procedure, but you can also choose not to. In that case, we will not be able to support you, but we will do our best to find another organisation who might give you the kind of support you’re looking for.

Is it human trafficking?

If you are not sure that it is a situation of human trafficking, these questions will help you find out:

  • Are you forced to do things you do not want to?
  • Are you working long hours for little or no money?
  • Are you forced to work even when you are sick or injured?
  • Is someone threatening you, your family or your loved ones?
  • Is someone controlling you and monitoring your movements?
  • Has someone taken your passport and ID documents?
  • Do you feel stuck in this situation and that there is no alternative?

If you answered YES to 2 or more of these questions, you may be a victim of human trafficking. Do not hesitate to fill in the form or to contact us. We will do our best to help you find a solution.

Find help near you

Who we are?

There are 3 specialized care centres which support victims of human trafficking in Belgium: PAG-ASA, PAYOKE, SÜRYA. Together, we work to help victims of human trafficking who were trafficked and exploited in Belgium. We offer advice, information, and support to recover from exploitation and to regain control over their life, free of human trafficking.

We do that within the legal framework of the Belgian protection procedure for victims of human trafficking.

Our services are free and confidential. If you wish to anonymously talk about your situation, it is possible as well: you don’t have to say your name.

Our support to victims

  • Shelter and housing

    Each local care centre has a shelter that provides emergency housing. It is located in a discrete address to ensure the victims’ safety. Victims find a safe place here to start their recovery process. After a short stay in the shelter, we can help find housing in a rental accommodation.

  • Social support

    We provide social support to each victim based on their needs, to help them regain confidence and start building a new life. Depending on their situation, we will help with housing, medical care, education, employment, social welfare, mental health care, and any other aspect of the person’s life.

  • Legal support

    We provide legal help to support each victim in their path to obtain justice and in their collaboration with the criminal justice system in Belgium.

  • Administrative support

    We support victims to regularise their administrative status, to get through all the administrative steps needed to be in order in Belgium.

Get help. Free and confidential

Get help. Free and confidential.

In case of immediate danger, please call the police 101

To get help and advice fill in our form. A skilled and trained advisor from a local care center will contact you on the next working day. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call or visit us during office hours. Please find a local care center close to you.

Our support is free and confidential, even if you do not have residence papers.

Get help. Free and confidential.

In case of immediate danger, please call the police 101

To get help and advice fill in our form. A skilled and trained advisor from a local care center will contact you on the next working day. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call or visit us during office hours. Please find a local care center close to you.

Our support is free and confidential, even if you do not have residence papers.

With support from Team Justice