Emma Simons on victims’ willingness to report

How did the pilot on victims' willingness to report come about?
"Victims of sexual exploitation rarely report human trafficking to the police. In the 2018 study You just don't report (available in Dutch), we explored why. The study found that victims often fear the trafficker and find the legal process too overwhelming. Given that victims are often traumatized, the report recommended testing a trauma-sensitive approach towards victims. Such an approach should, first of all, focus on the victim's safety and reducing barriers to reporting the crime to the police. This has led to our Centre against Child and Human Trafficking starting the Pilot Project on Victims' Willingness to Report. It was commissioned by the Netherlands Police."

Safety is crucial for victims to feel able to speak up. What measures did you take to improve safety?
"Victims often fear that their trafficker will harm them or their loved ones if they talk to the police or testify in court. To alleviate this fear, we introduced a new role, the safety coordinator. This is a care coordinator (an existing role in the Dutch victim support landscape, red.) who additionally focuses on the victim’s safety and security. They do so even before victims are in touch with the police, and address the victim's protection needs. For instance, if the victim is afraid the trafficker will come to her house, the safety coordinator can arrange with the police that they carry out regular patrols in the victim’s area. This is a simple example that can help create a sense of safety for the victim, and at the same time enhances their trust in the police."

Reporting as a victim in The Netherlands seems challenging. Is that correct?
"Yes, that’s right. Many victims distrust the police and are not confident that going through the legal process will be beneficial. As a victim, you may be interviewed multiple times, you have to answer detailed questions, and could even face the suspect’s lawyer in court. The process can also take a long time. By addressing these barriers, we expect that victims' trust in the police and the legal process will grow, making them more willing to engage with law enforcement."

How did you approach this?
"First, we focused on preventing secondary victimization. Secondary victimization means that victims may relive their traumatic experiences. Constantly recounting exploitation in detail can be very painful for victims, potentially causing them to feel victimized again. To prevent this, we involved a police psychologist during initial consultations or when filing a report. This psychologist role already exists within the police, with expertise in psychological issues, trauma, or disorders that could affect the victim and the interview process. In the pilot, the police psychologist advises interviewers on how best to approach a victim and how to ask certain questions.

We also looked at hearings with the examining magistrate, where additional questions can be posed by the defense or public prosecution. In the pilot project, we have included an examining magistrate who has experience in dealing with human trafficking cases. We have also set up a separate space for victim hearings. This way, victims do not have to confront the defense directly. Additionally, we introduced a preparatory meeting between the victim and the magistrate to help the victim better understand the process."

The whole process can take a long time, while the victim may want to close the chapter and move on. Did you address this?
"Absolutely. The legal process can be prolonged because of multiple factors. Due to the complexity of the investigation, or the time it takes to schedule a court hearing, or capacity issues within the police, the Public Prosecution Service, or the judiciary. The fact that it can take a long time before a case goes to court is one reason why victims hesitate to report. To lower this barrier, we have worked with the Public Prosecution Service to explore opportunities for reducing the duration of human trafficking cases."

When you look at the pilot project as a whole, did the tested interventions work?
"The initial feedback from those involved in the first phase has been positive. For example, the police found the detective-psychologist’s advice on interviewing victims very helpful. The involvement of the safety coordinator seems to have had a positive effect on victims too. However, we found that a one-year operational period was too short to thoroughly test all interventions. Together with the Dutch police and the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, we have therefore applied for an extension under the government's Together Against Human Trafficking program. We hope to start the next phase this year."

Also read: Victims of Sexual Exploitation Feel Heard Through Better Support, Trouw newspaper, May 15, 2023.

12 May 2023