Shadows of the past: The fight for justice and survival of a human trafficking survivor

In a world where the shadows of human trafficking cast their dark traces, stories of survival become testimonies of courage and resistance.

At the heart of one such story is a young woman, whose name is withheld for her protection, and whose fate has become a symbol of the struggle for justice and survival.

Bojana Nakić, a case manager in NGO Atina, bears witness to the horrors the survivor endured, from primary to secondary victimization, during the long pursuit of justice.

“The court proceedings lasted two and a half years,” Bojana begins. “Atina became involved once the Center for the Protection of Victims granted her victim status, that is, once she was formally identified as a victim.”

Immediately following identification, a case conference was convened at the Center for Social Work to provide urgent protection and support. The survivor was in a deplorable psychological condition, and her health was seriously compromised. Establishing communication and preparing her for the court process proved exceptionally difficult.

Professionals remained with the survivor throughout the process. Atina provided various forms of support, including psychological counseling, economic empowerment, material assistance, and safe accommodation.

“She participated in the proceedings multiple times, unfortunately,” Bojana Nakić emphasizes, recalling the trial. “It would be an understatement to say this was a textbook case of secondary victimization.”

Although the survivor had the status of a specially protected witness, she received threats during court hearings from family members and acquaintances of the accused. Journalists reported on her ‘catharsis,’ describing in detail the exploitation she endured, including sexual and labor abuse.

The survivor was raised by her grandmother, who attended every court hearing. The suffering, pain, tears, and anguish she experienced throughout the trial were indescribable and inhumane.

The young woman was recruited online after responding to a job advertisement and subsequently fell into the hands of human traffickers. She endured numerous traumas during her exploitation, was moved from place to place, and was offered for money.

The outcome of this case was a final and enforceable conviction of the men and women charged with human trafficking, with total sentences exceeding 50 years of imprisonment. The convicted perpetrators are currently serving their sentences.

The survivor continues to live with professional support. She survived hell, yet still receives constant threats from individuals connected to the convicted traffickers.

“Through multisectoral cooperation, this case achieved positive results in terms of prosecution and bringing perpetrators to justice,” Bojana Nakić concludes, emphasizing the importance of maximum commitment by professionals and individuals involved.

In relation to this case, the NGO Atina published a statement on its website titled:

http://www.atina.org.rs/en/when-media-forgets-ethics-victims-suffer-again

The original text can be found at:

https://infosurdulica.rs/?s=UG+Atina