Receiving and protecting victims of human trafficking: Challenges not easy to overcome

Coordinate with all parties, reduce waiting time for victims

According to the leader of the Department of Social Protection - Ministry of Health, although there are still many challenges, the efforts of authorities, social organizations and the community have helped the process of supporting victims become more methodical and humane.

In the initial reception stage, many provinces have built a quick response process when victims are rescued or return from abroad. A typical case is the case of Dong Thap Provincial Police coordinating with the Border Guard and the Social Work Center to organize an emergency reception for two women who were lured to illegally work in Cambodia.

That same night, the victim was checked for health, given psychological counseling and arranged a safe place to live. This 3-way coordination model is being cited by many localities for its effectiveness and reduction of waiting time for victims - a period that often causes stress and is prone to relapsing.

In the northern border provinces, where victims are regularly handed over by China, the reception process has also become more disciplined. Lao Cai is an example. Every time there is a handover, representatives of the Provincial Police and local officers and psychological officers are present to complete procedures, conduct medical examinations, and assess the initial mental state of the victim.

For example, N.T.M (16 years old) was rescued from a marriage brokerage ring. Thanks to timely reception and being worked by a psychologist in the first 24 hours, he gradually stabilized and was arranged to continue studying afterwards.

That is a clear change in the approach when victims are seen as people who need recovery and comprehensive support, not just as the subject providing statements.

After receiving the admission, physical and mental health care is considered an important foundation. In Quang Ninh, the Provincial Social Work Center coordinated with the Women's Union to organize psychological counseling sessions for victims as soon as they returned, helping them reduce confusion, express their emotions and clearly understand their rights.

For cases of severe damage, provincial hospitals support free examination, treatment and monitoring in the initial stage. This care usually lasts from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the condition.

Legal support work has also received more attention. Many provinces coordinate with the State Legal Assistance Center to help victims understand the procedures, provide free lawyers during the process of taking statements and participating in the litigation. This not only protects their legitimate rights but also helps them feel respected and secure in cooperating with authorities.

Helping victims overcomeanan, rebuild their lives

As victims gradually stabilize, integration support programs become a key step. Many social protection institutions cooperate with vocational training centers to open short-term courses such as garment, makeup, cooking, cultivation or vocational skills at enterprises.

Some localities such as Nghe An, Thua Thien - Hue also coordinated with local businesses to recruit victims after completing the training. Not all cases have achieved long-term results, but these livelihood models have opened more doors for many people who were victims to return to normal life.

Communication activities to raise awareness in the community also contribute significantly. Every July, the campaign "All people prevent and combat human trafficking" is organized in many provinces and cities.

For example, in Dak Lak, the provincial police coordinated with the Women's Union to organize a communication program in Ea Sup district, attracting hundreds of participants.

In Thanh Hoa, mobile communication sessions in remote areas also help people identify tricks and know how to call the hotline when needed. These community activities not only raise vigilance but also help victims feel they are not alone when returning to their hometown.

A highly appreciated professional activity is interdisciplinary training courses organized by the health sector in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security. Many local officials shared that the training sessions help them better understand the role of each unit, reduce overlap and shorten processing time.