“From Trauma to Testimony: The Role of Psychological Support in Human Trafficking Cases” was the topic of a regional dialogue session on 28 April organised with the support of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The online event brought together more than 60 experts and practitioners in the field of human trafficking from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Representatives of judicial bodies, social welfare institutions, police, relevant ministries, and civil society organisations came together to share experiences and improve approaches to protecting trafficking victims in criminal proceedings.

The key focus was the role of trauma-informed psychological support as the key prerequisite for victims to safely and confidently participate in legal proceedings and access justice. The meeting was also an opportunity to present the publication From trauma to testimony: Guidelines for psychological support to victims of human trafficking in criminal investigations and court proceedings, developed by NGO Atina with the EU and Council of Europe support.

A series of expert presentations from legal and mental health specialists delved into specific challenges faced by the victims during investigations and trials, the importance of preventing re-traumatisation during proceedings, as well as the challenges in ensuring the victims’ rights to legal protection, privacy, safety, and compensation.

Participants also analysed the forms of psychological support currently available to the victims, and challenges practitioners face in the field. Through open discussion, they highlighted the gaps between regulations and practice when it comes to providing adequate support mechanisms.

This activity is organised as part of the action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia”, funded under the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, in cooperation with the action “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in North Macedonia”, also funded under the “Horizontal Facility” programme, and the Council of Europe project “Strengthening anti-trafficking responses in Bosnia and Herzegovina through systemic reform, policy development and comprehensive support for victims”, funded through voluntary contributions under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029.