On 28 May 2024, ICMPD and the HEROES project launched the "Manual for Early Identification of Potential Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings and Child Sexual Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation". The Manual elaborates on the legal definitions of the THB and CSA/E phenomena and provides examples of existing tools for early identification.
Furthermore, the Manual contains sets of tailored, sector-specific indicators for early identification of potential THB and CSA/E victims in four selected countries: Bangladesh, Colombia, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK). These indicators are developed based on the characteristics and the specifics of the phenomena in these respective countries. They are accompanied by a brief assessment of the specific contexts in which they occur, with a focus on the relevant economic and social sectors. As the Internet has increasingly become a major tool for victim recruitment and exploitation, specific attention is given to the online abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
The guidelines and indicators in the Manual serve as a foundation for training modules on early identification and initial referral of victims aimed at THB and CSA/E frontline responders within the HEROES Project's Training Programme.
The Manual is developed in the framework of the HEROES Project (Novel Strategies to Fight Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking Crimes and Protect their Victims), which received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program – Research and Innovation Action. HEROES is implemented jointly by law enforcement agencies, international organisations, academic institutions, and civil society organisations from countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia with the objective of developing novel strategies to fight CSA/E and THB crimes and protect their victims.