Identification

Who is responsible for identifying a victim of human trafficking?

In Finland, almost anyone can identify a presumed victim of trafficking.

All authorities, such as the Police, Immigration Service, Reception Centers, Occupational Safety Authorities, Border Guard, social- and healthcare services and child welfare authorities have the responsibility to identify victims and refer them to assistance. Law enforcement authorities and social services are required to inform a presumed victim about available services for victims of human trafficking in Finland. The requirement is based on law.

Identification is commonly done by non-governmental organisations, lawyers, legal counsels, safe houses and congregations. In addition, victims can self-identify and refer themselves to assistance. 

Formal identification

The formal identification of a victim of human trafficking is done by the National Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking (National Assistance System). Formal identification takes place when the presumed victim is admitted to the National Assistance System. The victim will receive a formal decision on the admittance. 

After the formal identification, the person is entitled to receive assistance and support as a victim of human trafficking. The National Assistance System works according to the provisions in the Reception Act and is legally bound to give assistance and support accordingly. 

Victims do not have to cooperate with the law enforcement authorities to receive assistance. 

Assistance and support are available as long as the person is a client of the National Assistance System. The National Assistance System assists presumed victims of human trafficking, their underaged children as well persons assisting with a criminal investigation on human trafficking. 

The victim cannot be referred to services against their will. 

In practice, the services for a victim of human trafficking can be provided by the National Assistance System, Reception Centres or wellbeing services counties. The authority responsible for providing the services is determined by the status of the victim. 

If a presumed victim does not want to receive support from the National Assistance System, they can seek assistance and support from anti-trafficking non-governmental organisations or from the Wellbeing Services County.

Special procedures for identification of a child victim of human trafficking

The National Assistance System is the focal point in cases involving child victims of human trafficking. However, Child Protection Services have the jurisdiction in providing sufficient assistance and support for child victims, including child victims of human trafficking.

A referral must be made to the Child Welfare Services, if the situation of the child and conditions they are in are a threat to their safety, wellbeing or development. Referral of a child victim of human trafficking to Child Protection Services does not require the child’s consent. 

Child Protection Services have the jurisdiction in providing sufficient assistance and support for all child victims, even if the child would not be a client of the National Assistance System and hence would not receive a formal status as a victim of human trafficking.

National hotlines for victims of human trafficking

The National Assistance System functions as a national focal point in human trafficking cases, including child victims. 

The National Assistance System operates a 24/7 hotline that is available for anyone, for instance to authorities, non-governmental organizations, social and healthcare services, private citizens and presumed victims. The National Assistance System can give guidance to different authorities and stakeholders in anti-trafficking issues, as well as admit a presumed victim to the National Assistance System. 

If the victim needs urgent assistance, the decision to receive assistance can be made immediately on the phone. The presumed victim’s consent is always a prerequisite for receiving assistance. Interpretation services can be arranged based on the need of the caller.

Regarding child victims of human trafficking, the contact to the National Assistance System is usually done through their legal guardian, representative, social services or Child Welfare Services. 

Contact details:

In addition, some NGOs in Finland have hotline services for victims of human trafficking. One of them is Victim Support Finland (RIKU):