ABSTRACT
Historically, protection and assistance to victims of human trafficking in many countries is anchored in migration law, and dependent on whether or not a residence permit is granted to the victim. Trafficking victims are not a homogeneous group. The term victim is often associated with weakness, passivity, and helpless persons who are in need of being rescued, and therefore many trafficking victims do not recognise themselves as victims. Regarding the factors that play a role in a victim's decision to leave the situation of exploitation to seek help and co-operate with the authorities, the theory of rational choice has been applied. Victims of labour exploitation are often referred to support organisations via labour inspectorates, trade unions, and service points for foreign workers. In general, three stages can be identified when trafficking victims come out of an exploitative situation: emergency care, short-term care, and long-term care.
