Identification is the first step in the assistance and protection process. If the identification of a Moldovan victim of trafficking happens abroad, IOM is contacted to arrange the return to Moldova. On arrival, the victim is offered the opportunity to go directly to the Assistance and Protection Centre, specialized in crisis assistance. Referral to the Center can also come from within Moldova; from the police, from an NGO or for example through a social worker identifying a victim in their own community. However, as preventing a person from being trafficked is just as important as assisting and protecting the victims, IOM counter-trafficking program also caters for at-risk cases. These potential victims have a profile similar to victims’ prior to their trafficking experience; vulnerable single parent families, children, victims of domestic violence, persons with a low level of education, and those from poor rural areas with minimal opportunities.
Through direct attention and assistance, women, men and children can escape the deceptive scenarios and false promises of traffickers. Catering for a wide variety of circumstances requires efforts from several organizations, institutions and individuals. The framework in Moldova for assistance cooperation is established by the National Referral System for Assistance and Protection of Victims and Potential Victims of Trafficking (NRS). The NRS is designed to facilitate access to protection services by establishing and employing referral procedures for identified (potential) victims in order to deliver quality services provided by the cooperative actors in the field.
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The Cornerstone of Assistance – The Centre
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The Assistance and Protection Centre is a place of refuge from trafficking in human beings. Operational since 2001, the Centre provides temporary shelter to all victims of trafficking and at risk cases: women, men and children, in a safe and welcoming environment. Child victims of trafficking and children of beneficiaries are catered for in child-friendly surroundings. During their stay, beneficiaries are offered a wide range of services including medical, psychological, social, legal, educational and recreational services. By the end of 2008, the number of victims of trafficking assisted by IOM and the Centre was 2,443, including 166 children. The victims were trafficked to Turkey, the Russian Federation, Kosovo, Cyprus, Serbia, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates and other countries, while some were exploited within Moldova. In addition, more than 1,300 potential victims of trafficking have received assistance through the IOM program.
The experience and trauma of each beneficiary is different, and the support measures and length of recovery therefore are very individualistic. All are offered, based on their needs, assistance within the Four Pillar Support System which includes Social, Psychological, Medical, Legal support. Through the NRS program, further Reintegration support is provided.
(Click on the links to find out more about the support services)
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Priorities for the Future
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Due to the hidden nature of trafficking and the stigma attached to victims by their communities, the real number of trafficking victims remains unknown. To combat this ever changing phenomenon, the assistance program is constantly being improved as the demand for assistance remains very high. An essential feature of counter-trafficking is raising awareness, including of the changing methods of traffickers. The government of Moldova is steadily increasing its ownership over the fight against trafficking, including partially financing the running of the Centre. However, in order to ensure quality services and effective assistance to identified (potential) victims, the Centre still requires constant support from our gracious donors.
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How Your Contribution Helps
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Combating human trafficking requires a sensitive approach involving partners from all around the world. IOM Moldova would like to thank all the donors for their contributions and continued support in helping people regain their lives.
Until the Government of Moldova is able to assume full responsibility over the Center, your help is needed to provide beneficiaries with the quality assistance their recovery depends upon.
Your contribution helps in the maintenanceofthe Centre and the wide variety of services it offers,developing and utilizing new specialized assistance workshops, as well as in providing medium and long term assistance for (potential) victims of trafficking.
Click here for stories of survivors: Back Home with a Broken Heart
