Efforts in Denmark
Since 2002, Denmark has had action plans in place to combat human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and individual freedom.
Human trafficking occurs all over the world—including here in Denmark, where cynical perpetrators ruthlessly exploit some of the most vulnerable individuals for their own profit. Women trafficked for the purpose of prostitution, in particular, find themselves in an extremely vulnerable situation. They live in isolation and work under completely inhumane conditions, facing the risk of violence and abuse. Furthermore, we are seeing an increasing number of individuals subjected to human trafficking across various sectors of the labor market. This is something we cannot and must not accept.
At the same time, the perpetrators are constantly developing new methods to exploit vulnerable people—not least through the increased use of technology and digital platforms for recruitment, control, and exploitation. This obliges us to continuously evolve our response and ensure that we can keep pace with the complex ways in which this exploitation takes place, so that we may assist the victims. Efforts to combat human trafficking have long enjoyed broad, cross-party support in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget).
A broad majority in Parliament has allocated funding to continue and strengthen efforts against human trafficking—as well as support for victims—in the coming years. Additionally, the agreement regarding the finances of the police and the prosecution service for 2026–2030 earmarks significant resources to continue and bolster initiatives against forced labor and labor-related crime, as well as efforts to combat human trafficking and the exploitation of human beings.
This strategy and action plan for 2026–2029 sets the framework and direction for a cohesive response in this area. In the coming years, there will be a particular focus on strengthening cooperation and coordination among authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders, ensuring we are better equipped to identify and support victims, as well as to stop the perpetrators. Close and effective collaboration is essential to ensuring that victims have the opportunity for a life free from exploitation and that the perpetrators can be held accountable. (Source: Centre against Human Trafficking.)
Read the strategy and action plan from 2026-2029 here.
Human trafficking is hidden!
Human trafficking often takes place in secret, and many victims are reluctant to seek help or support for fear of reprisals from their traffickers. Consequently, many victims are never formally identified as such by the Danish authorities. As a result, the issue involves a significant "dark figure" (unreported cases); the Centre against Human Trafficking (CMM) estimates that the true scale of human trafficking exceeds the number of individuals officially identified as victims.
How are victims found?
Victims of human trafficking typically come into contact with the authorities through police operations or via outreach efforts at specific locations—such as meeting places, healthcare facilities, massage parlours, the asylum system, or workplaces.
How are victims identified as such?
The CMM or an NGO conducts the initial identification interview with potential victims of human trafficking. The identification interview serves as the basis for a final assessment regarding a potential case of human trafficking. In some instances, an individual is identified as a victim of human trafficking during an asylum interview. In Denmark, three different authorities are authorized to assess whether an individual is a victim of human trafficking: the Danish Immigration Service (US), CMM, and the judicial system.
The purpose of assessing whether an individual is a victim of human trafficking is to ensure that victims receive the necessary assistance and support to break free from their exploiters and move forward with their lives. Individuals assessed by the Danish authorities to be victims of trafficking may receive assistance and support in various ways under the national action plan to combat human trafficking.
What can victims of human trafficking be offered?
If the authorities determine that you are a victim of human trafficking, you may be offered:
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Temporary residence in Denmark
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Protection at a confidential address
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Counseling and guidance
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Psychological treatment
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Social support
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Assisted and prepared repatriation
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Vocational training courses
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Assistance with reintegration in your home country
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NEWLIVES
NEWLIVES is an NGO that utilizes a tailored empowerment concept, specializing in helping trafficked women develop a new self-image and strengthening them as they leave prostitution. The organization is run entirely by volunteers, and all work is carried out by volunteers. NEWLIVES also engages in raising awareness about human trafficking.
Reden International
Reden International is an NGO working to help victims of human trafficking—specifically women—achieve a better future. Their target group consists of foreign women involved in prostitution, with a particular focus on women trafficked into the Danish sex industry.
Reden International offers:
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Accommodation at a secure crisis shelter, where women trafficked into prostitution can stay and receive round-the-clock support.
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A drop-in center centrally located in Vesterbro, offering foreign women a safe space, counseling, and medical assistance.
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Outreach work, where women are met within their everyday environments.
Hope Now
HopeNow works on behalf of trafficked persons across several areas—including psychosocial support, health, cultural matters, and legal issues—as well as the identification of victims of human trafficking.
AmiAmi - Jylland & Fyn
AmiAmi (formerly Pro Vest) is an NGO—an independent, non-governmental organization governed by a board—that has maintained contact with the sex work environment for nearly 20 years.
AmiAmi conducts social and health-related outreach work in Jutland and on Funen.
We are part of the overall Danish response to human trafficking.