What we do

A Destination for Trafficking Victims
Denmark is primarily a country of destination for victims of trafficking. The total number of victims identified in 2016-2022 was 610 persons, including children. The predominant form of exploitation is sexual exploitation, followed by labour exploitation and forced criminality. Among the victims, over half of them are Nigerian, which is reflective of our target groups. While the majority of victims are women, an increasing number of male victims are being identified, specifically in cases of labour exploitation and forced criminal activities.

At HopeNow, we offer long-term therapeutic and legal aid to trafficked survivors with legal residency in Denmark. Our mission is to support their recovery, integration, and empowerment. We believe that with proper tools and comprehensive support, individuals can heal, thrive, and make positive contributions to society.

Trauma-Informed Care
We empathize with the profound trauma experienced by trafficked individuals and recognize their need for specialized care. HopeNow delivers personalized trauma therapy, coaching, and counseling services, customizing our approach to cater to each person's specific requirements. Our utmost priority lies in nurturing their mental, emotional, and psychological well-being, fostering a safe and supportive space where healing and personal growth can flourish.

Integration into Danish Society
Integration into a new society is a complex process, especially for survivors of trafficking who often face additional challenges and discrimination. At HopeNow, we go beyond therapy, equipping survivors with the skills and support they need to integrate successfully into Danish society.

Supporting Global Recovery and Rebuilding
At HopeNow, we recognize that recovery extends well beyond the boundaries of Denmark. Our small and modest financial support is designed to address the needs of trafficking survivors in their countries of origin. With a focus on rehabilitation and repatriation, we strive to achieve this overarching goal. Through the provision of financial assistance for vocational training and small businesses, we actively contribute to the process of reintegrating survivors. Our unwavering support enables these brave individuals to reclaim agency over their lives while actively participating in rebuilding their communities.

Real-Life Success Stories
At HopeNow, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our programs. Take, for example, Charles, a survivor from Nigeria. With our support, he received a sewing machine to start his own business, providing him with financial stability and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, Charles is earning a living and inspiring others with his resilience and determination.

Another success story is Sarah, a survivor who overcame immense challenges. With our assistance, she was able to pursue higher education and is now studying to become a social worker. Sarah's journey exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit and the power of tailored support in helping survivors rebuild their lives and contribute to society.

At HopeNow, we combat human trafficking holistically. In our office, we prioritize trust and relationships. Through communal cooking, walks with counseling, and social activities, we build strong connections with those we serve while also identifying trafficking indicators in their stories.

We strive to expand our outreach beyond conventional methods. Embracing diversity, we proactively connect with individuals in various settings, such as streets, parks, churches, social events, and private parties. By actively participating in affected communities and understanding their dynamics, we can better identify targeted and vulnerable people. This targeted group is where we channel our efforts to provide direct help and support. Our ultimate objective is to uncover their narratives, detect signs of exploitation, and provide them with the necessary support they require.

Immediate help is our priority for trafficking people. Practical aid is crucial, so we offer resources like food packs, medicine, vaccines, tests, medication, and clothing. We also recognize the importance of transportation and provide top-ups for travel cards, ensuring survivors can access the support they need. Medical care is vital for healing; we stand by trafficked victims during hospital visits. We connect them with specialized healthcare professionals to meet their unique needs. We ensure trafficked people receive the necessary medical attention by bridging the gap between trafficked people and healthcare providers.

HopeNow has a telephone hotline providing counselling, supportive/therapeutic/legal guidance, and information on state services, cf. the Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. We are available 24/7 for most of the year. The counselling takes place both individually and in groups. HopeNow has individual advisory meetings and counselling. Most meetings/counselling are with women. Around 1/3 are sessions/counselling with men, and a few of the meetings/counselling is with transgender people. We have thus managed to step in in emergencies and help desperate people who needed acute help.

We also provide ongoing contact with trafficked people and alleged victims in prison, e.g. supportive and therapeutic counselling. This also applies to long-term imprisonment. We have many meetings in person and individual telephone sessions with various imprisoned clients. Some long-term incarcerated clients call in and talk to us many times per week, whereas others call in only 1-3 times a year.  

At HopeNow, we prioritize trust-building relationships and uncovering signs of possible trafficking and exploitation. Our approach involves individual psychological interviews, food packs, medication support, and various health requirements. We distribute food packs three to four times monthly to those in need. Additionally, we provide assistance for health needs such as dentistry, vaccines, medical tests, over-the-counter medications, and hospital visits. Not only do we offer comprehensive support, but we also connect individuals with the necessary resources. We provide referrals to organizations like CMM, Reden International, Ami Ami, and the Red Cross clinic specifically for undocumented migrants. Understanding that trafficked people may experience physical pain from abuse, violence, or PTSD-related trauma; we refer them to private acupuncture and chiropractic practitioners who are trained to help alleviate their suffering. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that trafficked people receive the care and support they require to begin their healing journey.

HopeNow is an expert organization that actively contributes to two important reports on human trafficking: the GRETA rapport and the TIP rapport. Additionally, HopeNow participates in network meetings with government authorities and civil society, while closely cooperating with the Center against Human Trafficking. We also submits annual reports to the Department of Gender Equality. On a national level, HopeNow collaborates with Ami Ami and Reden International. Notably, since 2018, HopeNow has been invited twice a year as an elected expert to the EU's Civil Society Platform to Combat Human Trafficking in Brussels. Furthermore, HopeNow holds membership in La Strada Civil Society Platform, which includes 25 European NGOs focusing on human trafficking.