Assistance in starting a new life

Since 2002, women and girls who have become the victims of human trafficking and/or forced prostitution have been able to seek help and advice in Bremen at the advice centre BBMeZ (Support for victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution). Most of the women come from abroad, particularly from East Europe and are severely mentally  disturbed as a result of their traumatic experiences. Whether they are only staying here for a short period of time before returning to their home country or they are in Bremen for longer to serve as witnesses in a court case, whether they would be putting themselves at risk by returning home or are in need long-term psychiatric treatment, the members of the organization BBMeZ give them individual counseling with the help of interpreters.  The advice centre first offers immediate help by providing food, accommodation and medical care, furthermore it also takes care of administrative issues concerning residency and financial support as well as accompanying clients to lawyers, the police and law court. In addition the centre organizes German classes and supports the women when the need help with abortions, births, childcare, job searching etc.

However, the women are mostly very young, come from poor rural areas, usually have very little education and need a great deal more. They find themselves in a foreign culture, often with no knowledge of the language and no support from their families; they are isolated and have very little money and very little living space. They need constant personal contact to overcome their feelings of homesickness and loneliness, to find a new will to live and to come to terms with their terrible experiences. As the support centre cannot possibly provided all this within a part-time budget, the idea for a project arose to find women who are prepared to work on a voluntary basis in order to improve the living conditions of the affected women, supporting them on a practical day to day basis, thus strengthening their self-esteem and helping them to develop new perspectives. The support of the Threshold Foundation could be gained for this purpose.

The project was carried out in several steps: the first step entailed developing a profile to attract women committed to voluntary work with the aim of appealing to women with different interests and abilities. This was published on the internet site of the “Inner Mission” and at the volunteers´ agency. So far six women have contacted us.

Guidelines for the first interviews were established in order to test the women´s suitability. Working with victims who are usually traumatized demands mental toughness and stability, confidentiality and reliability. The guidelines also include questions about aversion to the subject of prostitution and avoidance of dangerous situations. Furthermore, it offers brief background information on forced prostitution and typical behavioral patterns of traumatized women.

Five women decided to work as volunteers after an extensive first interview. A taster phase was arranged.

Inga Peter (BBMeZ)