“We believe in culturally, trauma-informed and victim-centred approaches to empower and support trafficked persons”
- Michele Mildwater, Director, trauma therapist and founder of HopeNow
Our Philosophy
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At HopeNow, our founder, being a trauma therapist, has shaped our approach towards trafficked individuals. Taking a trauma-informed stance is second nature to us. Our focus lies on placing the victims and survivors at the heart of our efforts. To achieve this, we prioritize understanding the extensive impact of trauma on the trafficked person, which encompasses cultural, physical, social, and emotional aspects. We acknowledge the importance of considering the well-being of our professionals who aid in this process.
Through our work, we contribute to a deeper comprehension of the repercussions of trauma. By adopting a trauma-informed approach within the cultural context of trafficked individuals, we witness better outcomes in their cases. The sensitivity we exercise in our approach allows for more effective interviews, benefiting both presumed victims and vulnerable documented and undocumented migrants.
Building long-term trust with our clients enables us to gather cohesive and trauma-informed narratives. The significance of this approach stems from the fact that the Danish Immigration Department and the Courts are responsible for officially identifying individuals as trafficked. Upon this recognition, the Danish state no longer criminalizes them, leading to their release from prison. By employing our approach, we enhance the likelihood of traumatized clients cooperating, allowing us to identify them as trafficked and affording them the necessary protection and rights they deserve.
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At HopeNow, we prioritize a victim-centred approach. We actively listen and provide service provisions without judgment. Our main focus is on meeting our clients' expressed needs and choices while ensuring their safety and rights. Adopting this approach enhances their access to justice and prevents re-traumatization. Our team helps them navigate complex legal pathways, empowering them and restoring lost control. Above all, we want trafficked individuals to feel safe, freely reach out, and seek advice and help through our 24/7 hotline. We lend them a listening ear and offer support with sensitivity and care.
Our Goals
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Empowering possible and identified trafficked individuals and assisting them in improving their life chances and social recovery
We are devoted to empowering and supporting trafficked individuals. Our goal is to help them rebuild their lives, regain self-worth, and create a better future. We understand the challenges trafficked people face when reintegrating into society, which is why we provide customized support services. Our team offers counselling, legal aid, clothes and food packs to meet their specific needs. By harm reducing these programs, we give our clients the tools and skills they need to take control of their lives and offer them opportunities for personal growth.
2) Advocating for presumed and identified trafficked persons' human rights
We are dedicated to safeguarding human rights and protecting the fundamental rights of every individual, regardless of legal documentation. Our mission is to amplify the voices of trafficking victims, ensuring relevant authorities hear their stories. We work towards recognition and protection of their rights on both national and international levels. Join us in our pursuit of justice and a world where every person's rights are respected.3) Increasing awareness of human trafficking and our work in Denmark
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Advocating for presumed and identified trafficked persons' human rights
We are dedicated to safeguarding human rights and protecting the fundamental rights of every individual, regardless of legal documentation. Our mission is to amplify the voices of trafficking victims, ensuring relevant authorities hear their stories. We work towards recognition and protection of their rights on both national and international levels. Join us in our pursuit of justice and a world where every person's rights are respected. -
Increasing awareness of human trafficking and our work in Denmark
Our mission is to fight against human trafficking. We do this by raising awareness through networking, lectures, workshops and arts, highlighting its magnitude, and emphasizing the need for collective action. We use strategic campaigns, educational programs, and media outreach to educate a wide audience about the signs of trafficking, prevention strategies, and support for survivors. We collaborate with organisations and schools to conduct workshops, training sessions, and public events. Through these initiatives, we increase awareness, promote dialogue, and encourage engagement in the fight against human trafficking.
Part of the Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
HopeNow aims to empower and identify victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation and to protect their human rights through specialized trauma counseling, legal advice, multiple forms of social support, and close partnership with national and international bodies.
Check out our support options below!
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Outreach work contributes to the identification of victims in asylum centres, immigration deportation centres and on the streets areas of forced crime and sex trafficking.
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Referring presumed and identified victims of trafficking to specialised lawyers
We were awarded the European Crime Prevention Award in 2014 by the EU Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) for setting several legal precedents and our preventive work against human trafficking.
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Offering tailormade workshops and lectures on trafficking.
Please see our page dedicated to workshops.
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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.
+45 26 16 10 12
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Rebuilding Lives, Transforming Communities…
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.