About this Talk
Human Trafficking in Switzerland | National Anonymous Hotline
Nathalie R. Guex
There are no perfectly accurate numbers on how many people are affected by human trafficking in Switzerland. It is to be assumed that the official statistics only grasp what can be considered the tip of the iceberg (cf. police criminalistics, statistics on sentences, statistics on victim support, statistics of NGOs). Switzerland is no island. The country is used as a transit and final destination and is therefore affected by human trafficking and exploitation. The most common forms of human trafficking and exploitation are:
- Sexual exploitation – encouraging prostitution
- Exploitation according to the loverboy method
- Labour exploitation
ACT212 is a counseling and training center against human trafficking and sexual exploitation based in Switzerland. Our aim is to sensitize both the general public and professionals to this issue and empower them with tools so that they can do something about it.
One of these tools is certainly our national anonymous hotline, which helps to identify victims and connect them directly and straightforwardly with the relevant authorities since 2015. We are able to detect and report suspicions or cases of human trafficking. We would like to contribute our knowledge because we think we have some experiences and best practices to share.
Exploitation with the Loverboy-method (in Switzerland)
Marianne Kuil
The Loverboy method is a pernicious form of human trafficking where perpetrators manipulate young women and girls emotionally to force them mainly into prostitution. Typically, Loverboys initiate an apparently loving relationship with their victims to gain their trust and affection. Once an emotional dependency is established, they pressure their victims into offering sexual services or other exploiting practices.
Our training provides practical insights into the devious techniques of the Loverboy method and teaches you how to recognize the signs and take timely action. The goal is to understand the Loverboy scheme, identify victims, analyze perpetrator strategies, comprehend the emotional dependency of the victims, and ensure their support and liberation. Additionally, we will present our received suspicion reports and share experiences.
Forced labour or services (in Switzerland)
Jenny Lambrigger
Victims of labor exploitation are sometimes unaware that they are being exploited. In addition to (very) low wages, the absence of a residence or work permit, the absence of an employment contract or working alone can be indicators of exploitation. It also happens that the person concerned has to hand over their identity and travel documents to the exploiter, does not know exactly where they are, or has to pay back large sums in fictitious debts to a so-called employment agency in the country of origin.