Persons identified by the authorities as presumed victims of trafficking are entitled toassistance and protection. The presumed victims may be entitled to:
- information about rights and support measures
- legal assistance (at least three hours of free legal advice to assess aspects of importance for filing a crime report)
- a reflection period (a limited residence permit of six months) and further leave to stay upon meeting certain criteria
- necessary security measures (following risk assessment)
- necessary medical assistance
- safe and adapted housing
- money to support themselves (and offers of activities and/or employment schemes)
- assistance for a safe return and re-establishment in their home countries
There is no single agency responsible for identifying and providing assistance to and protection of presumed victims. Authorities are tasked with this for their respective sectors. So the police, child welfare services, immigration authorities, health authorities, NGOs etc., are responsible for carrying out up their duties imposed under the Council of Europe Convention. Persons exploited or in need of assistance can turn to different authorities and NGOs to receive assistance or for referral to a relevant assistance provider. Thus, the threshold for receiving assistance in Norway is rather low. Although state and municipality agencies may support victims of THB in various ways, the NGOs in Norway play a significant role in victim assistance.
Some of the services provided by NGOs and municipal actors:
- ROSA is operating a national helpline to combat human trafficking: www.rosa-help.no. The 24-hour helpline is for human trafficking victims regardless of the form of exploitation, both men and women. The hotline is providing victims with information on their rights and assistance alternatives available and offers help and information to any stakeholder, including NGOs and lawyers, seeking support in cases of suspected THB. Moreover, ROSA offers housing and follow-up through the municipal shelter system or in cooperation with other NGOs to victims of THB exploited for prostitution or subjected to other forms of sexual exploitation. Victims of THB exploited for labour or services are referred to other stakeholders for assistance measure.
- Oslo Human Trafficking Support, NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service), gives financial, housing and other support to persons identified as presumed victims of trafficking in Oslo.
- PRO Sentret is Oslo municipality’s service for persons with experience of selling or trading sex. They run a reception center for persons who have been subjected to prostitution. The center offers counselling, STD testing and can refer the victim to the relevant stakeholders.
- Nadheim (Kirkens Bymisjon Oslo (Church City Mission)) is a centre for people who sell or have sold sexual services, regardless of gender, nationality or life situation.
- Lauras hus, (Kirkens Bymisjon Oslo (Church City Mission)) runs a safe house for female victims of trafficking and their childrenThe Salvation Army Oslo runs a safe house for male victims of trafficking (Filemon).
- The Marita Foundation (Oslo)runs a safe house for female victims of trafficking.
- Krisesentersekretariatet (The Secretariat of the Shelter Movement in Norway)is an independent umbrella organization gathering more than 30 shelters assisting female victims of domestic violence. The shelters have a long experience of assisting female victims of violence, including those subjected to prostitution.
- Caritas Resource Center offers free information, counselling and courses for immigrants in relation to living and working in Norway. Through the Center, Caritas can counsel migrant workers as well as referring them to the proper NGO or state agency.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) offers safe return and reintegration support.