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Trinidad: Helping Human Trafficking Survivors Start Again

“Most of the victims are foreigners and, because of that, they face language and cultural barriers, as well as other issues, such as lack of documentation that becomes an obstacle to access psychological services,” Ali says.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new layers of vulnerability, according to Manuela. “There's a need for more work opportunities and more access to psychological support because a lot of women are in the same situation and need help psychologically to work through all these difficulties in order to survive,” she says.

Agencies such as IOM play a crucial role in helping struggling migrants get by, Manuela says. The Organization offers a variety of support to survivors of trafficking, including accommodation, emergency assistance, medical health services, vocational training and psychosocial support.

“The salaries we earn as migrants are often less than minimum wage, so the cost of living is difficult to meet,” Manuela says. “The support makes a difference because if I get rent or food support, I can use the remaining money for my children.”  They have now joined her in Trinidad.

The traffickers, who subjected Manuela to physical and mental abuse, remain . Manuela wants them to know that she survived.

“How could you feel good in your heart, knowing you are living life off the suffering of other women?” she asks. “I want to be able to study and do more with my life. To have real possibilities. For my children, I want them to become good people and to have a better life.”

*To protect her identity, the survivor's name was changed, and some details of her story were omitted.

For more information, please contact IOM Port of Spain and Communications Consultant Julien Neaves, Email: [email protected] or Reporting and Communications Officer Kandy Serrant, Email: [email protected]

 

This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original location.

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PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.

 

EYES ON TRAFFICKING

This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.

ABOUT PBJ LEARNING

PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.