For journalists and academics asking for interviews
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Interviewing human trafficking survivors is a rare privilege. Most victims will refrain from interviews. Michele Mildwater, an experienced professional with over 25 years in the field, is the likely expert for your interview. In extremely uncommon situations, if a trafficked person has agreed to be interviewed, it should be handled with utmost care and understanding. Here are ways to ensure a victim centered and trauma informed interview:
1) When starting the interview , introduce yourself and clarify why you're sharing their story and how it will be used.2) Even if they don't ask to remain anonymous, let the trafficked person know that their story could/will be shared publicly with many people. Discuss with them why it's important to keep their identity private and the potential dangers. Make sure to safeguard their name, appearance, and any other information that could reveal their identity.
3) Some people who are trafficked may have survived rape or torture. Be extra sensitive and prepare yourself beforehand how trauma effects former rape and tortur victims.
4) Avoid interviewing someone who is clearly shocked or emotionally disregulated. If the person appears too delicate or emotional during the interview, take breaks when necessary and resume when they are in a better state.
5) Stay calm and focused, as your own feelings of anxiety can bring back their memories of anxiety. When asking questions, be mindful of any words or attitudes that may seem critical.
6) Begin by asking an open question like "Share your experience" to allow them to discuss what they are comfortable with. Asking for graphic details about their rape or torture can trigger PTSD without initial trust-building and will likely cancel the interview.
7) Encourage them to understand that refusing to answer uncomfortable questions is acceptable. Prioritize research on the HopeNow website to avoid asking unnecessary questions. See previous articles from other newspapers and information from our website.8) To respect privacy, always ask for permission before recording conversations and assure trafficked individuals that only the parts they feel comfortable sharing will be published.
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With one click of the mouse, you will be directed to an array of articles that tackle different angles of human trafficking. HopeNow has extensively covered topics such as the recruitment and exploitation of victims, the legal implications, investigations, survivor stories, and much more. Together, let's raise awareness of human trafficking, one read at a time.
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We explained the different types of trafficking and created a series of short but insightful blogs to shine a light on the complexities of human trafficking as it takes place in Denmark and abroad. Do your research here!
With our 15+ years of experience in human trafficking, we have provided insights to journalists, Master, PhD and Postdoc students, and given expert statements to law enforcement, courts, specialized lawyers, the EU and the UN. -
Human trafficking consists of three core elements:
1) The purpose of trafficking which is always exploitation.
2) The act of trafficking, which means the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons.
3) The means of trafficking include threat of or use of force, deception, coercion, abuse of power or position of vulnerability.
Find these indicators in these cases -
Leverage HopeNow’s 15 years of experience working with empowering trafficked people and anti-trafficking efforts to construct this year’s teaching material. The offer is provided to journalists and organisations that have paid the annual membership fee.
Become a member -
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Ethical considerations before an interview
The issue of human trafficking is delicate and involves real individuals who have gone through serious emotional pain and trauma. There are lots of misunderstandings and countless factors and individuals involved. Journalists reporting on human trafficking must follow an ethical process of investigating and sharing information. Remember these things to consider:
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As a journalist, you must understand the impact of words on an extremely vulnerable person who has experienced servere trauma over a prolonged period. It is crucial to be mindful of the terms and language you use. The distinctions between migrant smuggling and human trafficking should be nuanced (please read the information on the website). Still, your chosen words can impact political agendas, news coverage, and people's comprehension of your story. Not the least on the trafficked person, who might experience PTSD- related trauma as you are questioning them on graphic details of their assaults.
Use clear and straightforward language, especially when addressing unfamiliar subjects. Avoid using overused phrases and biased words. Please read the information on our website. https://www.hopenow.dk/basics-of-human-trafficking
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Human trafficking is a violent crime that causes trauma. Journalists should stick to the facts when reporting on such cases and avoid speculating. It's unnecessary and unethical to focus on explicit or gruesome details to provoke a reaction from the audience. Judging the victims and perpetrators should be avoided. News coverage of migrants often includes stereotypes based on nationality, ethnicity, and gender. It's essential to be aware of your own biases and avoid unethical practices in journalism.
When covering graphic crimes like sexual assault, Intern, HopeNow suggests asking yourself the following questions:a) Do you need to include explicit descriptions of the rape and injuries to tell the story?
b) Can graphic explanations of violence and injuries benefit the trafficked individual?
c) Will disclosing the specific information about the rape cause additional harm to the survivors?
d) Can this article expose the identity of the trafficked person, who seeks to move with their life?
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Personal opinions should only be used in opinion pieces and it should be clear to the audience that what is expressed is an opinion and not a fact. When it comes to serious crimes like human trafficking, it's possible to let a strong feeling of anger prevent proper investigation. Think about why you are writing the story. Look at your own biases and protect the identity of the trafficked person.
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To cover human trafficking, it's important to protect the victim's identity. There are other times when you might want to use anonymous sources. Safeguarding your sources' anonymity is an ethical duty.
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Positive news about human trafficking can raise awareness and engage a wider audience. By covering the efforts against trafficking, partnerships, success stories of survivors, social workers, and law enforcement, we can inspire people to focus on solutions. These stories have the power to reach the public and make a difference.
Please click here on efforts to combat human traffickinghttps://www.hopenow.dk/globally-connected
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Without presented solutions, audiences feel hopeless. The media can educate and empower people about human trafficking, prompting them to take action and protect victims. Journalists can help by:
Provide your readers practical advice on how to help trafficked people and HopeNow.
Once people learn about human trafficking, they often feel angry and want to help. Journalists can direct individuals towards specific actions, such as joining campaigns, becoming a member of HopeNow and spreading awareness about human trafficking.
When investigating a specific story, consider ways to involve the audience. Become a member here!