Trustbased Outreach Project Ongoing since 2011

HopeNow has a longstanding and ongoing collaboration with the Danish Center Against Human Trafficking and the Immigration Service to reach out to victims of human trafficking.

Our diverse outreach activities include engaging with potential victims on the streets, in prisons, and at social events like churches and private gatherings for the African Sub-Saharan diaspora. We aim to provide vulnerable individuals with assistance, support, and empowerment through these efforts.

A crucial aspect of our project has previously been to conduct identification interviews to help victims become officially identified as trafficked and receive the necessary support from authorities. These interviews are conducted sensitively, empathetically, and without judgment, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the individuals involved.

We employ an array of strategies, including social and cultural engagement, counselling services, and trauma therapy. By providing victims with a platform for their voices to be heard, we not only affirm the validity of their experiences but also enable them to become advocates for their rights, raise awareness, and effect meaningful change in the fight against human trafficking.

1) Outreach: HopeNow conducts outreach efforts in various environments such as the streets, prisons, churches, eateries, festivals, and social events where the target group frequently gathers. Private parties and celebrations are also included in these outreach efforts.

2) Counseling and Guidance: HopeNow provides supportive/therapeutic counselling and legal guidance to trafficking victims. They also provide information about government assistance programs outlined in the Danish Action Plan for Combatting Human Trafficking. Counselling sessions can be conducted both individually and in a group setting.

3) Trust-Building Relationships: HopeNow establishes trust-building relationships with individuals through one-on-one conversations. These conversations aim to uncover any indications of possible trafficking conditions and the nature of exploitation the victims may have experienced.

4) Motivational Work and Partnerships: HopeNow engages in motivational work to empower victims and builds bridges with relevant partners, including the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking. Since 2022, the Danish Centre has taken responsibility of the identification process and referred the target group to appropriate health services.

5) Accompanying and Assisting with Legal Processes: When requested by the individuals, HopeNow provides support and assistance during interviews, investigations, court cases, and interactions with authorities such as the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking, the police, specialised lawyers, immigration services, and return agencies.

6) Continuous Contact: HopeNow maintains continuous contact with the target group, ensuring ongoing support through supportive and therapeutic conversations if desired by the individuals. This support extends to situations such as prolonged imprisonment.

7) Social Activities: HopeNow organizes social activities, such as joint cooking and eating, walking, sports, and other forms of movement, to foster trust and build relationships that enable victims to share their stories comfortably.

8) Regular Collaboration with the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking: HopeNow engages in frequent meetings with the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach towards combating trafficking and identifying victims. By actively engaging in these ongoing and continuous activities, HopeNow aims to make a significant impact in identifying and assisting victims of trafficking.

HopeNow: Empowering Victims and Creating a Path to Support: Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and assistance to trafficked people and ensure their journey towards healing and justice. Through a range of dedicated services, we strive to be a guiding light for clients and survivors, empowering them to reclaim their lives.

1) Multiple Counseling Sessions: We understand the importance of addressing the psychological and emotional needs of trafficking victims. Our highly trained counselors conduct multiple sessions to offer a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, process their trauma, and gradually rebuild their lives. These sessions also play a crucial role in identifying the victims, enabling us to facilitate necessary identification and provide them with the support they require.

2) Prison Visits: For victims of forced crime facing long-term imprisonment, we recognize the significant toll that isolation and loneliness can have on their well-being. That's why we prioritize prison visits, particularly for cases that may last for months or even years. Our presence ensures that these individuals have someone to talk to, confide in, and seek solace from. By supporting them during this challenging time, we strive to restore hope and foster a sense of connection that is vital for their rehabilitation.

3) Referrals to Relevant Services: Our dedication to serving clients and survivors goes beyond our organization. We collaborate with the Danish GO Center Against Human Trafficking, NGOs like Reden International, and Ami Ami, which offer shelter and vital services to victims. Through joint meetings, we ensure survivors have access to a network of support that addresses all their needs, fostering their recovery and long-term success.

4) Assisting with Referrals: Understanding that trafficked people require specialized services, we assist in referring them to health services, other professionals in the field, and specialized lawyers who can advocate for their rights. By connecting victims with these essential resources, we empower them to navigate the complex systems in place and access the justice and care they deserve.

5) Accompaniment and Advocacy: Navigating legal processes can be daunting for victims and survivors. Our dedicated team supports and accompanies them during meetings with authorities, lawyers, specialists, and hospital visits. We provide them with the necessary guidance and advocacy to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.

6) Telephone Contact with Families: We recognize the importance of maintaining connections with family and loved ones. So, we facilitate contact with relatives during incarceration.

Trafficked Men: HopeNow encountered potential male victims of trafficking who lacked legal residence, were homeless or were in the asylum system. These men, vulnerable and in precarious situations, were often smuggled into Denmark and ultimately became victims of human trafficking. Unlike the women HopeNow has assisted since 2007, the men were typically exploited for forced labour or involved in criminal activities rather than the sex industry. In 2020 and 2021, HopeNow encountered men and trans individuals who were trafficked into the sex industry and worked in various capacities such as street work, brothels, or escort services.

Trafficked Women: HopeNow worked with female victims or potential victims of trafficking. While sexual exploitation remains prevalent in Denmark, findings indicate an emerging trend of women being exploited for forced labour or involved in criminal activities alongside forced prostitution, such as acting as couriers.

HopeNow reached almost exclusively people from the African continent. Among the screenings, few Eastern European women have been counted – as far as men are concerned, they are also almost 100% Africans. However, HopeNow has also encountered two South American men and a few South American women who sold sex.

The largest group is made up of Nigerians throughout the project period. In 2021, Ghanaians constituted the second largest group.

Other African nationalities are Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia. Other cases concern persons from, as mentioned, South America, India, Kosovo, Thailand and Romania, but there are very few cases over the years.