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1. Where can I go to access help relating to human trafficking in Poland?
Contact RENATE in Poland
Stowarzyszenie PoMOC
Tel: +48 694489187
pomoc@po-moc.pl
www.po-moc.pl
In Poland, the activities against human trafficking and those supporting the victims of human trafficking of both Polish and foreign origin are carried out by KCIK (National Centre For Intervention and Counselling – www.kcik.pl ). All the activities are financed and ordered by MSW (Ministry of the Interior). KCIK has been operating since 2008. Presently, its work is carried out by two organisations: La Strada Poland in Warsaw and PoMOC Association in Katowice.
What assistance is offered to those who are victims of human trafficking?
- 24/7 helpline for the victims and witnesses of human trafficking – by La Strada Poland
- Counselling Service centres for the victims of human trafficking – comprehensive counselling for the victims
- Providing clothes, food and caring for other basic needs; basic medical help; social counseling; assistance provided in dealing with police and legal matters; psychological support; help of a translator; assistance with the process of legal stay in the country, transport for the victim within the country; extended help with the safe return to the country of origin (as far as possible, further assistance can be provided, in contact with a suitable organization at the country of origin, if the victim agrees). Help is available 24/7 by La Strada and PoMOC
- Two shelters for the victims of human trafficking offer, not only safe accommodation, but also comprehensive assistance, to help the person as she integrates into society and rebuilds her life (one shelter is run by PoMOC and another by La Strada)
- Assistance is provided in the process of resocialization and reintegration – beginning from teaching the victims the simple things necessary for everyday life, through psychological therapy and educational support (acquiring a degree, learning a profession, assistance entering the job market, etc.). Various means are undertaken to strengthen the victims and help them to regain their position in society.
- Prevention counselling for victims and increasing the awareness of this issue in society (including meetings, counselling via Internet, elaborating and editing brochures/leaflets, seminars, training courses, workshops)
- In Poland, foreigners can enter the Program of Protection and Support for a Victim/ Witness of human trafficking, if they are ready to collaborate with the police and break with perpetrators. This will help them in legalising their stay and in finding a job, social care and shelter, etc.
All of the above are free for victims of human trafficking. Most expenses are covered by KCIK, the rest is paid by social services, according to the Social Assistance Act (Section 7a for Polish victims and 5a for foreigners).
Victims of human trafficking are also offered help from Bakhita Network – Religious in Poland who work together against human trafficking and exploitation. This Network was created in September 2011, and after the RENATE Conference in Trzebinia. At the moment, the group has no formal structures and is led by Sr. Anna Balchan, under the auspice of the Major Superiors’ Council. Thanks to this new Network of Religious, and the information gathered by their efforts and their commitment, many new opportunities have been created to help and support victims of human trafficking. Meetings of the members of that group, held in the form of workshops and supervision, allow for the development of efficient and professional assistance to the victims. Presently, there are 14 centres of intervention set up to support victims of human trafficking. They offer various types of assistance, depending on resources available.
Other organisations in Poland, which directly or indirectly help victims of human trafficking:
Caritas Poland, Nobody’s Children Foundation, Itaka Foundation, The Halina Nieć Legal Aid Center.
Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation (RENATE) was established by a group of Religious representing several different congregations working against human trafficking in Europe.
Vision
All people are created in the image of God. We, the Religious of Europe, believe in a world where everyone has a right to human dignity. Human dignity cannot be compromised. Therefore we labour to free the world from trafficking and exploitation.
Goal
To respond in the light of Gospel values to the issue of trafficking of women, children and men.
Objectives
• To develop awareness – raising activities against human trafficking and the growing demand within all levels of society in Europe, using all forms of modern technology and communications;
• Networking and sharing resources, skills and knowledge;
• To research and implement actions against the growing demand for such abuse in the countries of origin and destination.
Membership of RENATE is open to:
• a Religious female/male–working/living in Europe;
• a lay person working with or for Religious in the field of anti-trafficking in Europe;
Friends of RENATE:
• All are welcome to support in different ways: financially, with skills & expertise, prayer etc;
• They may come from all faith traditions or none;
• They will receive updates and newsletters;
We invite others to join us in this, God’s Mission.
Ending Trafficking Begins with US.
Together with Church, State and Civil Society, in conjunction with realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals, RENATE Network is committed to:
• Addressing the root causes of systemic injustice that creates and sustains this vile trade in human lives.
• Using its network to strengthen communication and co-operation between countries of origin, transit and destination.
• Providing opportunities for the full reintegration of victims which can include protection in a safe home, acquisition of proper documents and training for meaningful work so that victims can regain and be enabled to live life to the full.
• Educating society, particularly youth, to view all forms of human trafficking and exploitation as totally unacceptable.
• Challenging judicial and civil authorities to adopt and enforce legislation that protects victims, provides them with adequate compensation, punishes clients and buyers and seizes the assets of perpetrators.
• Collaborating with the media in efforts to bring a strong voice to the attention of the world denouncing all aspects of human trafficking and exploitation.