Human trafficking is when someone exploits you to get money. For example, someone might decide that you have to sell sex or drugs. Human trafficking is illegal for the person forcing you to do something, but you are not committing a crime. It’s not your fault that someone is using you. You can get help to get out of the situation.
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Do any of these apply to you?
Human trafficking can take different forms. Here are some examples:
Someone arranges for you to have sex with other people for money, drugs or a place to live.
Someone helped you travel to another country and is now forcing you to sell sex to pay them back.
Someone is forcing you to work, steal or sell drugs.
Sometimes, there are several people involved. For example, one person might promise you a job, another person organises your travel, and a third person arranges for you to have sex with different people.
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Someone who has been exploited has not done anything illegal
Selling sex is not a crime in Sweden, regardless of the gender of any of the people having sex.
It is only the people who are using you who are doing something illegal. It doesn't matter if you knew from the start that you would be selling sex. It doesn't matter who the person is who using you. It doesn't matter what kind of relationship you have with them, for example if you are dating.
It's normal to feel scared and threatened. It's common for the person threatening you to take important things away from you, like your passport or mobile phone. They might tell you that you owe them money, or that you can't tell anyone. The person threatening you might say they'll hurt your family, or tell others what you've done. But, you haven't done anything wrong and you can get help.
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It is illegal to use others in order to get money
The people who are using you are doing something illegal. It is a crime called human trafficking.
No one is allowed to force someone else to have sex. No one is allowed to exploit others in order to get money. This applies to everyone, no matter what your sexual orientation or if you are transgender.
If you have been the victim of violence, it is a good idea to report it to the police. Go to a healthcare centre or the emergency department of a hospital if you need medical care. You can still get care even if you do not have a residence permit.
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You have the right to get protection and support
It may seem difficult or even impossible, but you can change your situation. There are places that help people in the same kind of situation as you. You don't have to give your name when you contact them. You don't need to know exactly what kind of help you want. It won’t cost you any money to get help.
Here are some examples of the help that you can get:
Talk about how you are feeling.
Help to feel better if you are not doing well.
Housing that works well for you.
Special accommodation for people who need protection.
Meet with a doctor or psychologist.
Help to make a police report.
Help to travel back to your home country.
You can get help no matter what gender or sexual orientation you have.
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Here are some places that can help you:
Social Services, social emergency services office.
At many of these places, you can ask for an interpreter if you need one. This is a person who translates from your language into Swedish, and vice versa. You don't have to give your name when you contact them.
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There are places you can call, email or chat with
There are places online that help people in the same kind of situation as you. You do not have to give your name when you contact them. They can give you support, or help you find the help you need.
You can write or speak in Swedish and English at most of these places. Some can also speak with you in other languages.
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Have you paid for sex? Or have you exploited someone else to get money?
It is illegal to pay to have sex with another person. It is also illegal to arrange for someone else to sell or buy sex. It is especially serious to buy sex from someone who is younger than 18 years old.
If you pay for sex, there is a risk that you are contributing to human trafficking. There is no way to tell that a person is a victim of human trafficking just by looking at them. They might look like they are selling sex voluntarily.
A lot of people who sell sex are emotionally unwell.
You can get help if you want to stop buying sex. Read more here.
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Are you worried about someone?
Do you know someone who is selling sex to get money for other people? Or do you know someone who is being forced to sell drugs or steal in order to have somewhere to sleep? This person is the victim of a crime.
You can help them. Even if you are not completely sure about what kind of situation they are in.
You can help the person get in touch with one of the places that we have recommended. You can also contact one or more of these places for support for yourself.
