Psychological Vulnerability and Human Trafficking: How to Identify the Risks and Seek Help in Time

In the context of war, forced displacement, and prolonged uncertainty, psychological resilience may naturally decline. A person may seek to regain a sense of safety as quickly as possible and find employment, housing, or support. Those intending to draw them into exploitation may take advantage of this need.

At the same time, it is important to understand that psychological vulnerability is not a cause of human trafficking. Responsibility for recruitment, deception, coercion, and exploitation always lies with the perpetrator, not the survivor.

Recruitment is often disguised as care, friendship, a romantic relationship, or an attractive business opportunity. At first, a person may not recognise the danger because they are treated kindly, offered help, and shown a willingness to resolve their problems.

• promise high pay without requiring experience or clearly defined duties;
• offer free housing, food, travel, or assistance with documents;
• insist that a decision must be made immediately;
• create a sense of special closeness and trust;
• insist that there is no need to verify the employer or working conditions;
• conceal the exact address of the workplace or accommodation;
• gradually restrict a person’s communication with people close to them;
• change the arrangements after arrival or after work begins;
• demand that the person hand over documents, a phone, or money;
• create a debt that supposedly must be “worked off”.

Help or gifts offered at the beginning of an acquaintance may later be used as tools of manipulation: the person is reminded of everything that has been done for them and pressured to show gratitude, obey, or accept dangerous conditions.

A situation is particularly risky when it seems that there is no other way out. A dubious offer may then be perceived not as a threat, but as the only opportunity to change one’s life.

• have lost their housing, employment, or source of income;
• have been forced to leave their home;
• are in a new city or country without a reliable support network;
• have survived domestic, sexual, or other violence;
• are financially or emotionally dependent on others;
• experience acute loneliness, anxiety, or despair;
• are urgently seeking a way to earn money;
• lack access to verified information and consultations.

The presence of such circumstances does not mean that a person will necessarily be subjected to exploitation. However, they may reduce the person’s ability to verify an offer, seek advice, or refuse unsafe conditions.

An offer of employment, relocation, education, or accommodation should be treated with particular caution if:

• you are required to respond immediately;
• the terms are described only verbally and there is no written contract;
• the duties, pay, schedule, or workplace address remain unclear;
• the employer or intermediary cannot be verified;
• you are prohibited from consulting people close to you;
• your tickets, documents, and accommodation are fully controlled by another person;
• you are asked to provide your original passport without a clear reason or confirmation;
• the working or living conditions change after arrival;
• threats, blackmail, or restrictions on movement or communication arise;
• you are forced to “work off” the cost of travel, accommodation, food, or other expenses.

Even one of these warning signs is sufficient reason to stop, verify the information, and seek advice.

Preventing human trafficking involves more than warning people about danger. It also requires access to reliable information, psychological support, and safe ways to address difficult life circumstances.

• avoid making decisions under pressure;
• verify the employer, intermediary, and workplace address;
• obtain a written contract in a language you understand;
• clarify the terms of payment, accommodation, insurance, and return home;
• discuss the offer with someone you trust;
• leave your route, address, and the employer’s contact details with people close to you;
• agree on regular communication and a code word to use in case of danger;
• make paper and electronic copies of your documents;
• do not leave your passport with an employer or intermediary;
• save the contact details of assistance services and Ukrainian consular missions in advance;
• seek a free consultation if even one condition raises concerns.

Psychological support can also be an important protective factor. Speaking with a professional can help reduce anxiety, restore a sense of control, and consider several possible courses of action instead of making a decision in a state of despair.

Psychologists, social workers, educators, healthcare professionals, and representatives of civil society organisations play an important role in the early identification of risks.

When working with a person, it is important to consider not only their material circumstances but also their emotional state, experiences of violence or loss, level of social isolation, available support, and any employment or relocation offers they are considering.

A discussion of potential risks must take place without pressure, judgement, or intimidation. The professional’s role is not to make a decision for the person, but to help them verify information, recognise possible dangers, and identify safe alternatives.

Early identification of psychological vulnerability and timely support can prevent exploitation.

527 — toll-free from a mobile phone in Ukraine;

0 800 107 527 — toll-free from a landline in Ukraine.

The hotline operates daily from 07:00 to 22:00. Consultations are free and confidential. Consultations are also available through the online chat on the hotline’s website.

In case of immediate danger, call:

102 — National Police of Ukraine;

112 — the unified emergency number.

Supporting psychological resilience, access to verified information, and timely assistance are integral components of a systemic response to human trafficking—especially in the context of war, forced displacement, and prolonged social instability.