Exploited human trafficking victims often can’t get out of debts caused by culprits

Human trafficking victims are often left with debts caused by the people exploiting them. The financial issues that arise due to this cause stress and obstruct their ability to recover from the trauma. This has been stated by the aid organizations Defence for Children Nederland (DfC) and Centre against Child and Human Trafficking in the Netherlands (CKM).

The organizations have reported that victims are being exploited sexually and criminally by human traffickers. For example, they are forced to use their name to take out loans, commit benefit fraud, or rent cars, which then results in fines for things that others have caused. They are also forced to hand over their debit cards so that they can be used for money laundering.

“The victims did not cause these debts, but they are being held responsible for them,” said the CKM. “Debt forgiveness is necessary so that victims are not hindered by the debt burden of their traumatic past and can fully focus on the future.”

Defence for Children Nederland and the CKM are calling for an investigation into why it is often not possible for the victims to have their debts paid by the culprit. “It is important that policymakers investigate how victims can successfully recover damages from the perpetrator through criminal and civil law. Even when they cannot or do not dare to report the crime," a statement on the CKM website read.

Victims are also able to receive a solitary damage compensation from the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund, but this requires “objective evidence” of the crimes, which is often hard to come by in these cases.