Early and immediate assistance

The National Intervention and Consultation Centre for Victims of Human Trafficking (KCIK) operates a 24-hour hotline, which also offers preventive telephone counselling. 

The hotline is open to citizens of Poland, the European Union and third countries. It provides counselling to victims of human trafficking and their relatives, as well as organisations and institutions, and people at risk of human trafficking. The hotline operates in Polish, English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

The hotline can be reached by calling +48 22 628 01 20. 

Other hotlines: 

Police Headquarters, Anti-Human Trafficking Department 

Tel. (22) 60-148-33 (secretariat), 
664 974 934 – hotline for victims of human trafficking 
E-mail: [email protected]

Polish police officers operate the helpline on Monday-Friday from 8a.m. to 8p.m. During the night hours, reports on crimes and other information can be recorded on an answering machine. Officers contact those interested in providing information later. In emergencies involving risks to life or health, the emergency numbers 112 or 997 should be called.

Border Guard Headquarters, Operations and Investigation Board

Tel. (22) 50-040-41 (secretariat), 660 40 41
Email: [email protected],
Fax: 500 47 97

The Border Guard operates a 24-hour telephone number to report emergencies directly affecting security or concerning the situation at the border. These reports may also relate to incidents of trafficking in human beings. It is also possible to report an incident using the “report anonymously” function available on the website of the Border Guard, contact the nearest Border Guard unit, or, in emergency situations, call 112.

La Strada – Foundation Against Human Trafficking and Slavery 

Hotline (for assistance and advice): +48 22 628 99 99.  The hotline operates Monday-Thursday 9a.m. – 6p.m., Fridays 9am – 2pm. On Wednesdays from 2p.m. – 6p.m., it is possible to have a conversation in Russian. 

Tel: +48 22 621 56 18
Foundation office: +48 22 622 19 85 (administration and office phone) 
E-mail: [email protected] 
Website: https://www.strada.org.pl

Safe accommodation for victims of human trafficking is coordinated by KCIK based on contracts. Currently, KCIK has two shelters for victims of human trafficking: specialised shelter for women in Warsaw and a shelter for women and their children in Katowice.

Before accommodating the victim, KCIK makes an assessment of the accommodation needs. Based on the assessment, the person is referred to suitable accommodation. If necessary, KCIK can pick up the person directly from the place where they are currently staying.

The length of accommodation for a presumed victim depends on their individual needs. There is no time limit on shelter accommodation. 

If the presumed victim does not wish to make use of the assistance and support of KCIK, the authorities performing the formal identification are obliged to provide contact details of other non-governmental organisations offering accommodation and assistance. For instance, La Strada Foundation has two rented rotational flats in Warsaw, for men and families. The PoMOC Association Katowice has both a shelter (Rehabilitation and Education Centre) and a counselling centre. 

Following an informal/formal identification, the victim undergoes a preliminary needs assessment. The needs assessment is performed by a KCIK facilitator or, in some cases, another organisation assisting victims of human trafficking. 

During the preliminary needs assessment, the presumed victim’s health is checked, and basic medical assistance, safe accommodation, clothing, hygiene products, and food are provided, if needed. If necessary, an interpreter, cultural mediator, as well as the assistance of a lawyer, can be provided. The needs assessment includes an assessment of the victim’s mental well-being, and internal or external psychological counselling is provided as required. 

Risk assessments are often carried out in parallel to exclude potentially life-threatening situations. 

The reflection period in Poland is connected to the formal identification process. 

After the presumed victim has been formally identified by the competent law enforcement authorities, the victim receives a certificate confirming the presumption that the person is a victim of human trafficking. The certificate authorises a legal residence for foreign victims in Poland for a period of three months (four for child victims). 

Upon receiving the certificate, written instructions on the rights and obligations regarding status and residence are provided in a preferred language. The certificate gives foreigners access to assistance and support meant for victims of human trafficking.

The certificate granting the reflection period can be cancelled in the following circumstances:

• If the authorities identify that the victim has actively, voluntarily, and on their own initiative re-established contact with persons suspected of committing a human trafficking offence, 
• If the presumed victim has crossed or attempted to cross the border in a violation of the law. 

The certificate granting the reflection period for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and their family members can be cancelled in the following circumstances:

There are valid concerns over national security or defence, or the protection of public order and safety.. 

The grounds for its issuance have ceased to exist.

The applicant has reported false details on the application, testified untruthfully or concealed the truth, forged or modified a document to use it as an authentic one, or used such a document as an authentic one.