Thematic seminars on “Domestic Violence as the Cause of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)”

In the framework of the project “Developing National Capacity to Counteract Domestic Violence in the Republic of Belarus” IOM Mission in the Republic of Belarus will carry out seminars “Domestic Violence as the Cause of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)”. The events will be held in Vitebsk (March, 12) and Gomel (April, 2) for the court staff, representatives of law enforcement, prosecutor’s office, border guards and non-governmental organizations specialized in the issues of combating THB.

The events are aimed at advanced training of specialist working in the field of combating THB and providing assistance to victims of trafficking (VoTs). The issues of dealing with VoTs and risk-group representatives, who are VoTs as well, will be discussed during the seminars, particularly, the mechanisms of identification of VoTs, belonging to the above mentioned category, and their referral to competent governmental, non-governmental and international organizations.

4 similar seminars have been already held in Minsk, Mogilev and Grodno in November 2012 – February 2013.

Domestic violence is one of generally recognized causes of THB, especially trafficking in women and children. According to IOM Rehabilitation center’s statistics, 58% of VoTs, assisted in the center, were exposed to domestic violence, 70% of whom are residents of small towns and live in low-income families. Domestic violence can be also the cause of repeat victimization, as a lot of trafficked women are usually exposed to domestic violence when going back home.

At the moment there’s free hotline for the victims of domestic violence in the Republic of Belarus.