Early and immediate assistance
Available assistance for victims of human trafficking
In Denmark, all formally identified victims of human trafficking are offered a period of reflection and restitution. The reflection and restitution period is initially given for 30 days, with the possibility of an extension of an additional 90 days.
During this period, victims have access to support under the Danish National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings.
Support that victims can receive includes:
- Advice and legal assistance
- Access to accommodation
- Food and allowances
- Extended health care
- Psychosocial assistance
- Relevant educational activities.
Children of identified victims of human trafficking are also generally entitled to receive support. The children need to be under the age of 18 and in the custody of the parent.
The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking (CMM)’s social workers act as contact persons for victims. They coordinate the support measures with other authorities, such as the Danish Immigration Service (DIS), non-governmental authorities and housing providers.
The support is not dependent on whether the victim collaborates with the police or the Prosecution Service.
Services for identified victims with irregular or asylum seeker status
When a presumed victim of human trafficking who is under the Danish Immigration Service’s care has been formally identified as a victim of trafficking by the Danish Immigration Service, the person will have access to the extended services – as listed below – as long as the victim is under the Danish Immigration Service’ care, for example throughout the processing of an application for asylum.
Victims of trafficking who are under the provision of the Danish Immigration Service can receive:
- Access to accommodation in reception and accommodation centres or other appropriate forms of accommodation based on the assessment of their individual needs (for instance shelters or safe houses)
- Cash allowances and/or free meals
- Access to extended health care services,
- Necessary social measures
- Educational activities and vocational training
Victims with irregular or asylum status will also receive assistance from the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking.
The support is not dependent on whether the victim collaborates with the police or the Prosecution Service.
Services for child victims
Child victims of human trafficking receive similar assistance measures as adult victims in Denmark.
The Danish Centre against Human Trafficking, the Danish Red Cross, DIS and municipalities offer a range of help and support for child victims. In most cases, these actors cooperate closely to ensure a holistic, child-sensitive approach and secure the best interest of the child, based on the general extended obligation to protect children, including unaccompanied minors.
The Danish Immigration Service has the overall responsibility for minor asylum seekers and foreigners living irregularly in Denmark. In addition, the Danish Services Act gives the local municipality, where the child resides, a duty to act and a general duty to supervise relations to minor foreigners.
Unaccompanied minors who are victims of human trafficking are appointed a personal representative by the Danish Immigration Service. The representative can make the same decisions as a parent or guardian.
The personal representative’s responsibilities include representing the child in legal or other administrative proceedings, , including bring present during asylum interviews, ensuring that all decisions concerning the child are taken in their best interest and acting as a bridge between the child and other actors in the child protection system.
Safe accommodation
During the reflection and restitution period, victims of human trafficking are offered accommodation according to their needs. The case manager from the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking is responsible for coordinating the accommodation and other relevant support with relevant NGOs and authorities.
The Danish National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking funds a specialized shelter, crisis centre, for female victims of human trafficking. The shelter is operated by Nest International and can accommodate eight female victims. In addition, victims can be accommodated in shelters specialized for men and women in crisis.
Victims under the provision of the Danish Immigration Service are accommodated in specialized reception and accommodation centres. Alternatively, based on the victim’s needs, victims can be accommodated in shelters or safe houses.
Children
For child victims with legal stay in Denmark, the responsible municipal authority can decide if the child should be placed in foster care or at a shelter. This is stipulated in the Services Act.
Unaccompanied minors who are under the provision of the Danish Immigration Service are accommodated in specialized reception and accommodation centres for unaccompanied minors.
Risk and needs assessment
Needs assessments are generally conducted by the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking and shelters.
The contact person from the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking discusses with the victim of trafficking to identify immediate needs. The needs assessment takes into consideration factors such as gender, age, and type of exploitation. The needs assessment includes a decision for a place for accommodation where the safety of the victim can be ensured.
Shelter needs assessments include for instance mapping the health and basic needs, such as clothing. Shelter needs assessments are conducted in close cooperation with the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking contact person.
Reflection period
Victims of human trafficking have access to reflection and restitution period in Denmark. The total duration of the reflection period is up to 120 days.
Victims of trafficking, who have received a return decision, are granted a reflection period by the Danish Immigration Service. The reflection period allows the person to stay in Denmark for the duration of the period.
The reflection period is initially 30 days and can be extended by further 90 days, up to a total of 120 days. In order to receive the extension, the trafficked person must actively participate in the preparation of them returning to their country of origin or residence. It is the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking that helps the victim to apply for an extension of the reflection period.
Victims who are staying in Denmark legally are entitled to a restitution period of 120 days. The restitution period is granted by the Danish Centre against Human Trafficking.
The support received during the restitution and reflection period does not differ in content.