Victim Support Act. Services for Human Trafficking Victims

Who IS THB victim? A victim of human trafficking is a person in the case of whom criminal proceedings have been commenced with regard to the criminal offence committed against him or her based on the elements of criminal offence specified in Penal Code: § 133-1333 : trafficking, supporting trafficking, pimping, aiding prostitution § 138¹,140: forcing person to donate organs or tissue, inducing person to donate organs or tissue § 175: human trafficking in order to take advantage of minors

Services 1) counselling of victims; 2) assisting victims in communicating with state and local government authorities and legal persons; 3) ensuring safe accommodation; 4) ensuring catering; 5) ensuring access to necessary health services; 6) providing necessary material assistance; 7) providing necessary psychological assistance; 8) enabling necessary translation and interpretation services for receiving the services provided within the framework of victim support services; 9) providing other services necessary for physical and psycho-social rehabilitation of victims. The services are provided until the need for the services ceases to exist.

Who Can receive the services? If the Social Insurance Board has doubts that a criminal offence has been committed and the Social Insurance Board has submitted a report to an investigative body or prosecutor's office; The person himself or herself or another person has submitted a report on a criminal offence to an investigative body or prosecutor's office and Border Guard Board has submitted a respective report on the person to the Social Insurance Board. If criminal proceedings are not commenced, services shall be provided to persons until the Social Insurance Board is notified of refusal to commence criminal proceedings by an investigative body or prosecutor's office. The decision should be made in 10 days.

Victim Support Act will be changed in 2017 The main aim: better identification of victims through easier access to services. Up to 60 days of services without presenting a report on a criminal offence. Up to 60 days of services also in case the report was presented and decision was made not to start criminal proceedings. Organisations supporting victims of human trafficking will have the right to identify (it used to be like that before 2013). Foreign officials/organisations will have the right to inform the SiB and direct persons to receive services.

Actual provision of services Not done by governmental victim support workers. Social Insurance Board hires other organisations to provide services, but coordinates the work from SiB’s side (tallinn.oa@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee). In 2015-2016 services are provided by following organisations: NGO Eluliin (NGO Lifeline), 5 places for women, men and children, 24/7 reception of victims NGO SOS Lasteküla (SOS Children’s Village) 5 places for sexually abused, trafficked or unaccompanied children. 24/7 reception centre since October 2015 AS Medicum (hospital/clinic, health services)