Forced to work or have sex? Here is how to get help
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Do you feel pressured to work, have sex or hand over money? Are you afraid of someone who controls you? If so, you may be a victim of exploitation. You can seek help even if you do not have a residence permit. Read this article to find out where you can get help.
How can you recognise exploitation?
In the case of
Sometimes, at first, it seems as though someone is helping you. Someone offers you a job, transport, a place to sleep or protection. But later on, you are expected to do something in return. For example, working for a very long time without pay, having sex against your will, handing over money, or repaying a debt through work or sex.
Be careful if someone puts pressure on you to do things you do not want to do. For example, working, having sex, handing over money or doing things that are against the law. It is also a bad sign if someone takes your phone, money or documents away from you. Or if someone decides where you sleep, who you talk to or when you are allowed to leave the house.
In the Netherlands, it is a criminal offence to force someone to have sex
Sexual exploitation is when someone forces you to have sex or do other sexual acts. This can take place in
In such situations, you are not free to say no, to stop or to make your own choices. Sometimes someone uses violence or threats. But someone can also gain control through shame, fear, dependence, deception or a false promise of help or love. Are you being forced into sex or into creating or sharing sexual images? Further on in this article, you can find out where to get help.
Are you being exploited at work?
Exploitation can also happen at work. For example, if you have to work very long hours, are not paid, are paid far less than agreed, or have to work in unsafe conditions. Exploitation can also occur if you are not free to leave or are afraid to complain.
Even without a residence permit, you have rights at work. You are entitled to a wage and a safe workplace.
Are you having problems with your employer, such as exploitation or not being paid? If so, you can ask
Do you not have a residence permit and are you being exploited?
Even then, you can still get help. You do not have to
What can you do if you are in danger?
Are you in immediate danger? If so, call 112. Are you not in immediate danger? Then think about your safety first. Get in touch with someone you trust or an organisation that has experience of exploitation or human trafficking. They can listen to you and discuss with you what help is available. Only distance yourself from the person who is putting pressure on you if it is safe to do so. You can contact:
CoMensha in cases of human trafficking or exploitation.
FairWork in case of problems at work.
The Sexual Assault Centre in cases of sexual violence.
Would you like to report something to the police? You can call 0900-8844 and ask for the Migration Criminality and Human Trafficking Team. If you do not have a residence permit, please first seek advice from a support organisation about your situation and the possible consequences of making a report.
Only keep messages, names, addresses or photos if it is safe to do so. This information may help later to explain what happened.
Important to know: you are not alone
It is not your fault if someone abuses you. Many victims feel afraid, ashamed or dependent on the other person. This often makes it difficult to ask for help. However, it is important to know that you can seek help even without a residence permit if someone is coercing, threatening or exploiting you.