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supportive counseling and crisis intervention Educate victims about their rights SHELTER Emergency shelter for victims of trafficking requires specific considerations. Victims of trafficking may require shelter longer than a survivor of domestic violence and may need increased protection. Victims cooperating with law enforcement in the prosecution of the traffickers must have stable, safe housing throughout the investigation and prosecution of the criminal case, which may take several years to complete. Some trafficked persons may prefer living with other victims of trafficking, sometimes from the same case, because of their shared experiences. They may have a difficult time assimilating with others who do not share their cultural or linguistic background. Victims of trafficking may feel a duty to do extra work in shelter, such as cleaning, cooking, or taking care of children.18 Advocates working in shelter must be prepared to support victims of trafficking in an empowerment-based model of advocacy and address such considerations as they occur. 18“Human Trafficking Service Provider Manual” Advocates can establish trusting relationships and explain confidentiality and advocate privilege, as well as their role, prior to asking additional questions about the violence a survivor is experiencing. Advocates should always ask questions to help determine what the needs of the survivor are and how they can assist with any immediate basic needs. 18 CONFIDENTIALITY Assisting victims of trafficking may require the release of confidential information more often and to more organizations than when assisting non-trafficked survivors of domestic violence. Staff should always obtain the informed, reasonably time-limited, written consent of the victim when relaying confidential information to any person. SAFETY PLANNING Some victims of trafficking may face danger from organized crime, which can pose different threats than those from a single individual. The level of danger depends on numerous factors, including how much a victim’s testimony can harm the traffickers and how violent and extensive a trafficking network may be. Victims, both US citizens and non-US citizens, may face heightened security concerns if they return to their place of origin. Traffickers may have connections in the local community and may harm the victim and/ or their loved ones. Additionally, victims of trafficking may face risks due to increased isolation. They may come from abusive homes, be from a foreign nation, have no or limited English skills, be distrustful of police, and be unfamiliar with ways to seek help and safety. They may not have access to adequate resources and support and may experience heightened stigma. There may be various social and cultural stigmas or lack of resources for emotional and psychological healing. Advocates should be aware that the return and reintegration process can be very challenging and safety plan appropriately. When safety planning with victims of trafficking, advocates should: Carefully and honestly discuss the potential challenges of reintegration before creating a plan to return home Work with the victim to develop a safety plan that includes the possibility of working with law enforcement Always put the victim at the center of all advocacy Advocates should always put the victim at the center of all advocacy. 18 19 There are no guarantees that a victim of trafficking will receive benefits, supporting documents, or assistance from law enforcement. ADVOCACY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT In order to effectively support victims of trafficking, advocates must form working relationships with law enforcement at the federal and local levels prior to an emergency. Federal officials, particularly the United States Attorney’s offices, are critical to anti-trafficking responses and victim assistance. The TVPA mandates that in order for an adult victim to receive benefits, federal law enforcement has to verify that the person is complying with reasonable law enforcement requests. As such, local law enforcement plays an important role in applications for benefits and services, particularly for undocumented victims seeking immigration relief. It is important that advocates have a comprehensive understanding of these resources and discuss all