Handbook on Initial Victim Identification and Assistance for Trafficked Persons

The new handbook aims to reduce human trafficking and protect vulnerable groups such as foreign domestic helpers. Released by the Hong Kong Civil Society Task Force, it includes two sets of forms to determine if a person is a trafficking victim.

One form is for self-assessment by potential victims, many of whom are not even aware of human trafficking. The other, a preliminary screening form, will help workers from NGO’s, government officials and social workers offer proper help depending on the person’s circumstances. The first edition of the publication, available in English and Chinese, aims to identify concrete guidelines and resources for government and NGO service providers, including health workers, lawyers, frontline social workers, and other professionals.

The book also addresses issues such as exploitation, physical or sexual abuse, and violence that might be experienced by vulnerable people who do not fall into the criteria and legal definition of ‘trafficked.’