FAQ: Human trafficking

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Through the Project SUL 2, APAV has carried out several initiatives to prevent human trafficking and has developed a manual, which issues the specific given support to victims of this crime. For more information, see the webpage of the project – www.apav.pt/sul

 

On the street where I live, there is an erotic nightclub or gentlemen’s club where some foreign women work. They can never leave the house, and the neighbours often hear them being assaulted by security guards. What can I do to help them?

The fact that the women are not allowed to leave the house freely and are being physically assaulted indicates that they may be victims of human trafficking. Being deprived of their liberty and autonomy, human trafficking victims often fail to ask for help. This is why it is very important for people who have knowledge of the situation to file a report to the authorities. After making the report to the police or to the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) – who is responsible for investigating this type of crime – law enforcement officials will investigate the incident(s) and provide assistance to human trafficking victims. 

 

Back in my home country, I met a gentlemen who offered me a job at his cousin’s restaurant in Portugal. When I arrived here, I found the conditions to be very different from what was described or agreed upon. They took my passport, did not contract me, forced me to work for 20 hours a day in the kitchen, denied me my salary and forbade me to speak with customers or go out alone. One night I ran away while the boss was sleeping, but I am afraid to go to the police because I am undocumented and afraid of being arrested. What can I do?

This situation already presents several clues that indicate a crime of human trafficking has occurred. The fact that you came to Portugal by your own freewill and have accepted the proposed work (under the conditions originally agreed upon) does not in any way negate the recognition of this crime. Although you are undocumented, you can still go to the authorities to make a report or complaint. Most importantly, the law gives victims of human trafficking some protective measures; therefore, it is crucial to report the crime to authorities.