Standard Operating Procedures for ADULT Victims of Trafficking

MEASURE 1.2.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment is an on-going process that starts with the identification of the trafficked person and continues through the stages of investigation, criminal prosecution, and re-integration.

At the time of identification of the trafficked person, risk is assessed with regard to the immediate danger for the health and life of the victim. The risk assessment during the identification of the victim includes the trafficked person’s personal concerns and the interviewer’s assessment. It should answer the following questions:

  • Does the victim have urgent medical needs?
  • Is there a threat of violence or re-trafficking?

Risk assessment is performed during the initial interview with the trafficked person, in a safe place when the person is able and willing to talk. If the trafficked person is unable to talk due to high stress or if urgent actions are required to protect the person’s safety, the risk assessment is based only on the objective observations of the people in contact with the person as regards the victim’s condition.

Step 1. Involving the trafficked person in the process of risk assessment

Trafficked persons need to be motivated to share their concerns and fears, what they would like to arrange for their safety, and what resources they have for coping.

Step 2. Development of an individual safety plan

The individual safety plan is agreed on together with the trafficked person. The safety measures laid down in it need to be clear, understandable, and realistic for the trafficked person. The person must agree with them of their own accord.

Step 3. Revision of the risk assessment and the safety plan at every contact with the trafficked person and after any developments in the case

The risk assessment and safety plan need to be revised after every contact of the trafficked person with institutions and organisations involved in identification and re-integration within the NRM.
Risk assessment is not considered confidential information. The referring organisation must provide complete information about the risk to the receiving organisation.

If the service is provided for a long period of time (for example, accommodation in a shelter), it is necessary to revise the risk assessment and the safety plan at regular intervals.

Risk assessment is especially important when the trafficked person is going to return to their country of origin. In this case, the referring organisation needs to contact institutions and organisations in the country of origin, which can provide information about the social, economic, and cultural factors that can pose any risk to the process of re-integration.

COOPERATION
DOCUMENTATION
REFERRAL
DETERMINING IMMEDIATE NEEDS
RISK ASSESSMENT
IDENTIFICATION

1

Social Inclusion (Re-integration)

2

Protection and Support

3

Identification and Referral