Neuroscience in the service of investigation and trial – communicating with victims of human trafficking

The training was conducted on three separate dates—June 10, 12, and 17, 2025—for three different groups of participants. It was implemented as part of activities aimed at strengthening the capacities of stakeholders within the protection system, particularly those involved in identifying and prosecuting human trafficking cases and working with witnesses who are especially vulnerable in criminal proceedings. The training was held as part of the "Women at the Crossroads" project, which is run by NGO Atina and supported by the British Embassy in Belgrade. The lead trainer was Dragana Ćuk  Milakov, a psychotherapist and Head of the Psychological Counseling Center for the recovery of victims of human trafficking run by NGO Atina, with decades of experience working with victims of human trafficking.

The training targeted professionals who play key roles in identifying and supporting vulnerable individuals in the justice system, including police officers making first contact with potential victims, prosecutors handling early-stage and complete investigations, and judges overseeing cases involving human trafficking, prostitution-related offenses, domestic violence, and other sensitive matters. It also addressed the needs of those working with particularly marginalized groups who face significant barriers to justice, such as Roma communities, migrants, and women engaged in prostitution. The primary aim was to enhance participants’ communication skills by deepening their understanding of how trauma influences a victim’s behavior and ability to communicate. Emphasis was placed on trauma-informed approaches and practical strategies for conducting interviews and gathering testimony—highlighting both best practices and common pitfalls—to ensure accurate information is obtained while preserving the victim’s dignity and reducing the likelihood of retraumatization. The training included specific communication models grounded in clinical experience and contemporary neuropsychological insights.

A total of 91 participants attended the training sessions. Of that number, 73 were from the police and judiciary, seven from the social welfare system, and 11 from civil society organizations. Nenad Simić, the National Coordinator for Combating Human Trafficking at the Ministry of the Interior, opened the first and third-day training sessions. Participants from the Ministry of the Interior included representatives from the Criminal Police Directorate, the Directorate for Foreigners, the Asylum Office, and the Office of the National Coordinator. There were 41 representatives from public prosecutors’ offices: 25 from basic public prosecutor’s offices (Belgrade, Bor, Niš, Vršac), 15 from higher public prosecutor’s offices (Belgrade, Šabac, Pančevo, Niš, Leskovac, Novi Sad, Zrenjanin), and one prosecutor assigned to the Judicial Academy. A total of 14 judges participated: four from higher courts (Belgrade, Zrenjanin, Novi Sad, Niš), eight from misdemeanor courts (Belgrade, Niš, Kikinda), one from the Court of Appeals in Novi Sad, and the President of the Association of Judges of Serbia. Seven representatives from the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking attended, along with twelve participants from civil society organizations. The invitation to participate in the training was extended to institutions that come into contact with victims of human trafficking, including basic public prosecutors’ offices and misdemeanor courts, to strengthen their capacity to identify victims among the most vulnerable ones. 

The training focused on understanding the psychological and neuropsychological factors that influence the reliability of testimony given by victims of human trafficking, with particular attention to the effects of stress and trauma on cognitive and communication abilities. Emphasis was placed on trauma-informed interview techniques tailored to individuals who have experienced severe adversity, aiming to collect valid and usable information for investigative and judicial proceedings. Additionally, the participants were introduced to a comprehensive interview manual developed in the United Kingdom for justice professionals, which outlines a structured approach to interviewing witnesses and victims through three key phases: preparation, execution, and debriefing. This model sparked a rich discussion on its applicability in the domestic context and the practical challenges professionals face. Participants examined the importance of proper preparation, including logistical and emotional planning tailored to the needs of vulnerable witnesses. They emphasized consulting support professionals familiar with the witness and creating a sense of safety. The preparatory conversation—focused on building trust through neutral topics and transparent communication about the process—was recognized as essential. However, participants noted that legal constraints often limit its implementation in practice.

The execution phase of the interview begins with trust-building and informal conversation, gradually moving toward uninterrupted narratives from the witness. While ideal in theory, participants acknowledged that witnesses with traumatic experiences often require additional support and may struggle to present their stories linearly. The interview is divided into two sub-phases: the first focuses on collecting core evidence related to the event, and the second gathers contextual background information. Participants highlighted the need for a more flexible and individualized approach, as well as awareness of trauma-induced cognitive patterns that can affect communication. The discussion also raised concerns about the lack of psychological training among legal professionals, contributing to emotional fatigue and difficulties in managing sensitive situations. Examples from other European countries were shared, such as the use of intermediaries to support communication with individuals with special needs. The training ended with a presentation of research findings on victim satisfaction with institutional responses. It was noted that respectful and supportive institutional treatment can have a therapeutic effect, helping victims regain a sense of control and become active participants in the legal process. Finally, the facilitator introduced the concept of therapeutic jurisprudence. This legal philosophy emphasizes the healing or harmful effects of legal procedures, advocating for practices that consider the psychological and emotional needs of those involved.

A total of 73 respondents evaluated the trainings. The evaluation encompassed several aspects, including overall satisfaction with the training, the perceived usefulness of the content for professional work, the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills, the opportunity to express opinions during the training, and the facilitator's performance. The results, presented in graphical form later in the report, indicate a high level of participant satisfaction with both the content and the delivery of the training. Participants emphasized the relevance of the topic, particularly for working with witnesses who are especially vulnerable in criminal proceedings. The training was described as educational, inspiring, and practical, enriched with real-life examples that enhanced understanding of victims’ psychological experiences and improved communication strategies. The facilitator’s expertise and presentation skills were especially praised, with some participants suggesting that including a second trainer could enhance the dynamics of future sessions.

Participants’ feedback highlights the training’s substantial contribution to their professional development, particularly in the areas of victim communication and witness interviewing in criminal cases. Many noted they gained new knowledge related to the biological aspects of trauma and found the introduction of the UK interview model especially insightful and applicable in practice. Theoretical content was reported as being clearly and accessibly presented, with practical examples that supported everyday application. Some participants mentioned the training helped revise and expand their existing knowledge, while others emphasized the value of active listening skills. The training was described as engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging deeper reflection on personal practice and opening space for professional growth. Participants also appreciated the focus on neuroscience, communication techniques, and practical interviewing skills, with some recommending greater involvement of psychologists in investigative procedures to strengthen the multidisciplinary approach. Overall, the training was seen as well-organized, highly relevant, and tailored to the practical needs of prosecutors and judges.