A person is a victim of trafficking when they are recruited or taken somewhere or kept somewhere or offered things (like money, food, or gifts) and then exploited to benefit someone else. This might be jobs they are forced to do, sexual activities, or committing crimes such as selling drugs. Sometimes a trafficker threatens or harms the victim to force them to do these things. In other cases, traffickers trick, persuade or manipulate victims by treating them with affection or feigning love.

Yes, men and boys can be victims of trafficking. Anyone – men, women, boys, girls – can be a trafficking victim. They may be trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor, begging, or any other form of exploitation. All trafficking victims are entitled to protection and assistance.

Yes, a person can still be a trafficking victim even if they have agreed to the work they are doing or to engaging in sex or sex-related activities. Even if they signed a contract they can still be a trafficking victim.

Yes. Some people who enter Costa Rica illegally or are in the country illegally are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor, begging, and other forms of exploitation. Migrants who are in Costa Rica legally also may be trafficking victims. Trafficking victims are entitled to protection and assistance, including help getting back home if that is what they want, regardless of their immigration status.

Trafficking victims (adults and children) have the right to many forms of assistance and support, including for themselves and for their family members. Seeking help could open doors to real opportunities, support, and a future where they are truly in control of their own life.

In Costa Rica, a person who may be a trafficking victim has the right to receive help. A reasonable suspicion that someone might be a trafficking victim is enough to act to ensure their immediate protection and assistance. Trafficking victims do not need to report their experience to authorities or be a victim-witness in a trafficking case in order to receive help. A victim has the right to choose whether or not to participate in the criminal justice process (including making a statement to police or the prosecutor or serving as a victim-witness). Please see Victim Protection on how to refer a person who may be a trafficking victim for protection and assistance: https://aprendizaje.warnathgroup.com/trafficking-victim-protection/.

Yes. Even if a person has never told anyone about their bad experiences, they can still get help. Even if the bad experiences happened a long time ago, they can still get help. Even if they were exploited when they were a minor and are now over age 18, they can still get help.

Many individuals who have been trafficked have bad feelings (such as feeling anxious, worried, stressed, sad, scared, angry, and depressed). Many trafficking victims have also been physically hurt and harmed. There are professionals who can help a person feel better in their body and their mind, and practitioners should assist them to access the services they want and need.

In Costa Rica, the law (Law 9095) says that trafficking victims should not be criminalized for illegal things that they were forced to do while trafficked. All possible trafficking victims should be treated as victims and provided with protection and support.

Yes. All victims of trafficking can receive assistance. There are also specific services available to help individuals who misuse drugs and/or alcohol and need help to overcome this addiction.

Yes. A child or adolescent can be a trafficking victim regardless of whether their parents or guardians agreed to the arrangements.

Sometimes traffickers hurt or threaten to hurt victims and their families if they talk to the police or ask for help. They do this to control victims and prevent victims from escaping or seeking out help. Traffickers may also tell victims this because they are trying to avoid being caught by the police. If someone is being threatened or feels in danger from their trafficker, there are people who can protect them and ensure that they are safe. This directory provides information on how to help and protect victims of trafficking.