Human trafficking is a serious crime defined in criminal law. In human trafficking, the perpetrator seeks to place the victim in a situation of exploitation in order to gain financial or other benefit. Human trafficking may begin with promises of work, a better life, or a relationship, but gradually turn into control, pressure, and dependency.
Forms of human trafficking include sexual exploitation, forced marriage, forced criminal activity or begging, organ trafficking, or forced labour. A victim’s freedom may be restricted through debt, threats, violence, shame, or fear of authorities. The perpetrator often uses such control that the victim is unable to leave the situation.
Human trafficking usually occurs over a longer period, during which the victim becomes gradually comes under the control of the perpetrator. Means of control may include, for example, economic dependency or debt, uncertainty related to residence status or employment, as well as family or kinship relationships. Exploitation may begin with the victim’s consent, for example in an employment relationship that appears lawful on paper but in reality, the working conditions do not correspond to what was agreed.
There may be one or several perpetrators, and anyone can become a victim regardless of gender, age, or nationality. A person may be trafficked across borders, but they may also become a victim in their own hometown or online.
Human trafficking can involve many different forms of violence. Coercive control, economic violence, physical and psychological violence, as well as digital or spiritual violence can be part of the means used by the perpetrator. Human trafficking often remains hidden because victims may not recognise themselves as victims or may fear reporting their situation to authorities or loved ones, and the perpetrator seeks to remain undiscovered.
In addition to the national helpline Nollalinja, victims of human trafficking in Finland can receive support and assistance from various sources:
- The Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking provides information, support, assessment of the situation, and help accessing services. Read more ihmiskauppa.fi.
- Non-governmental organisations also offer counselling, support, and guidance for victims of human trafficking. Read more ihmiskauppa.fi.
- The social services of wellbeing services counties provide assistance with social services. If needed, contact can be made with the local social and crisis emergency services.