The new publication by the Association Atina “From trauma to testimony: Guidelines for psychological support to trafficking survivors in criminal investigations and court proceedings,” was presented on January 27 in Belgrade, at a roundtable gathering representatives of institutions, civil society organizations and international partners.

The publication offers practical recommendations for strengthening a trauma-sensitive approach in the work of the police, the judiciary and support services, with the aim of reducing secondary victimisation and improving the quality of court proceedings. It is based on the clear message that victims’ psychological wellbeing and the effective delivery of justice are not opposing aims, but mutually dependent processes.

The guidelines are based on Atina’s long-standing practice and empirical research incorporating the experiences of 15 persons who survived human trafficking and participated in investigative and/or judicial proceedings. The findings indicate that judicial processes are often experienced as confusing, lengthy and re‑traumatising, particularly when clear information, institutional co‑ordination and continuous psychological support are lacking. At the same time, interviews confirm that specialised, long‑term support, including stable accommodation and the consistent availability of professionals, significantly contributes to victims’ sense of safety and readiness to participate in the proceedings.

The publication provides concrete recommendations for improving practice, including individualised preparation for testimony, a clear division of roles among professionals, advance notice and explanation of questions during hearings, and conducting proceedings in a way that minimises the repetition of traumatic experiences. It is intended for professionals in the judiciary, police, social care and healthcare systems, as well as civil society organisations working with victims of human trafficking.

The publication was produced under a grant awarded to the Association Atina within the project “Strengthening anti-trafficking action in Serbia” and the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye.”