General 6 — HopeNow

Interviewing human trafficking survivors is a rare privilege. Most victims will refrain from interviews. Michele Mildwater, an experienced professional with over 25 years in the field, is the likely expert for your interview. In extremely uncommon situations, if a trafficked person has agreed to be interviewed, it should be handled with utmost care and understanding. Here are ways to ensure a victim centered and trauma informed interview:

1) When starting the interview , introduce yourself and clarify why you're sharing their story and how it will be used.

2) Even if they don't ask to remain anonymous, let the trafficked person know that their story could/will be shared publicly with many people. Discuss with them why it's important to keep their identity private and the potential dangers. Make sure to safeguard their name, appearance, and any other information that could reveal their identity.

3) Some people who are trafficked may have survived rape or torture. Be extra sensitive and prepare yourself beforehand how trauma effects former rape and tortur victims.

4) Avoid interviewing someone who is clearly shocked or emotionally disregulated. If the person appears too delicate or emotional during the interview, take breaks when necessary and resume when they are in a better state.

5) Stay calm and focused, as your own feelings of anxiety can bring back their memories of anxiety. When asking questions, be mindful of any words or attitudes that may seem critical.

6) Begin by asking an open question like "Share your experience" to allow them to discuss what they are comfortable with. Asking for graphic details about their rape or torture can trigger PTSD without initial trust-building and will likely cancel the interview.

7) Encourage them to understand that refusing to answer uncomfortable questions is acceptable. Prioritize research on the HopeNow website to avoid asking unnecessary questions. See previous articles from other newspapers and information from our website.

8) To respect privacy, always ask for permission before recording conversations and assure trafficked individuals that only the parts they feel comfortable sharing will be published.

With one click of the mouse, you will be directed to an array of articles that tackle different angles of human trafficking. HopeNow has extensively covered topics such as the recruitment and exploitation of victims, the legal implications, investigations, survivor stories, and much more. Together, let's raise awareness of human trafficking, one read at a time.

We explained the different types of trafficking and created a series of short but insightful blogs to shine a light on the complexities of human trafficking as it takes place in Denmark and abroad. Do your research here!

With our 15+ years of experience in human trafficking, we have provided insights to journalists, Master, PhD and Postdoc students, and given expert statements to law enforcement, courts, specialized lawyers, the EU and the UN.

Human trafficking consists of three core elements:

1) The purpose of trafficking which is always exploitation.

2) The act of trafficking, which means the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons.

3) The means of trafficking include threat of or use of force, deception, coercion, abuse of power or position of vulnerability.

Find these indicators in these cases

Leverage HopeNow’s 15 years of experience working with empowering trafficked people and anti-trafficking efforts to construct this year’s teaching material. The offer is provided to journalists and organisations that have paid the annual membership fee.

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