HopeNow - Empowering Trafficked People

21/05/2026

In May, Michele and Tia from HopeNow attended the Center against Human Trafficking’s annual conference 2026, focusing on how digitalization is reshaping human trafficking.

A key message stood out: as exploitation increasingly moves online, prevention and investigation must evolve with it, requiring not only technical tools, but strong collaboration and a deep understanding of human behavior.

We also valued the international and practical insights shared by Europol, NSK, and Darksight Analytics, as well as contributions from our partners CMM, AmiAmi, and Reden International.

At HopeNow, it was especially meaningful to see growing recognition of digital methods such as web scraping. Web scraping was presented by HopeNow back in 2018 through a Ministry-funded research project and shared with the Center against Human Trafficking and other key actors as a valuable analytical tool to combat human trafficking. The project combined technological approaches with hands-on, face-to-face outreach, highlighting how data can help identify patterns and indicators of exploitation in online environments.

The conference clearly reflected what we see in practice: the landscape is changing rapidly, and our responses must keep pace.

Thank you to Center against Human Trafficking for an insightful and well-organized event.

In May, Michele and Tia from HopeNow attended the Center against Human Trafficking’s annual conference 2026, focusing on how digitalization is reshaping human trafficking. A key message stood out: as exploitation increasingly moves online, prevention and investigation must evolve with it, requirin...

30/04/2026

HopeNow at the 26th OSCE Alliance Conference on Trafficking in Persons, 20-21 April 2026.

During the two days, one message stood out: forced criminality is real, growing, and still too often misunderstood.

From our perspective, the challenge is not only recognition but implementation. Too many trafficked individuals are still treated as offenders rather than victims.

We’re encouraged to see this issue gaining global attention alongside La Strada International and the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women. But real change requires action, coordination, and protection in practice.

07/04/2026

HopeNow in action 🏘️

Our incredible staff and volunteers visiting a client’s home, offering practical support and care while setting up baby essentials and creating a warm, loving space for a growing family. Every small act of care makes a big difference.

13/03/2026

On Monday, 9 March, human rights lawyer Anne Brandt Christensen invited HopeNow to deliver a lecture at DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia in Copenhagen for international students studying topics such as human trafficking and gender studies.

The session explored the modus operandi of Nigerian trafficking networks, focusing on how traffickers recruit, transport, and coerce victims into exploitation.

HopeNow’s Director, Michele Mildwater, shared insights from HopeNow’s frontline work with individuals affected by trafficking in Denmark.

The lecture also featured HopeNow peer group worker Modestus, a survivor of trafficking who now works to raise awareness about exploitation and support others. His contribution provided students with a powerful and personal perspective on the realities behind trafficking.

Students engaged actively throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions and showing great interest in the practical experiences shared during the lecture.

At HopeNow, we believe that education and awareness are essential tools in strengthening the response to human trafficking and supporting survivors.

11/03/2026

At HopeNow, cooperation across borders is essential to ensuring that people affected by human trafficking receive the protection and support they need.

For more than a decade, HopeNow has been a member of La Strada International, a network of over 30 organizations working together across Europe to prevent trafficking and support survivors. Through this collaboration, NGOs are able to assist individuals whose situations often stretch between several countries.

In January, HopeNow’s Director, Michele Mildwater, visited our partner organization Fundación Solidaridad Amaranta in Spain. The visit took place in connection with a client who had previously received psychotherapy and support from HopeNow in Denmark and was later transferred to Spain by the traffickers.

During the visit, Michele Mildwater met with the Amaranta team to support the client process and to ensure continuity of care. HopeNow also shared a structured case narrative prepared according to the Palermo Protocol, which outlines key elements such as vulnerability, recruitment, transportation, coercion, and exploitation. This approach helps partner organizations understand a client’s situation while reducing the need for survivors to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences.

The visit also provided an opportunity for both organizations to exchange knowledge on challenges and best practices in supporting survivors of trafficking in Denmark and Spain.

Around International Women’s Day, this collaboration highlights the importance of strong partnerships across Europe. By working together, organizations like HopeNow and Fundación Solidaridad Amaranta can help ensure that survivors receive the protection, support, and dignity they deserve, wherever they are.

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day! ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾

On International Women’s Day, HopeNow stands with partners across Europe to highlight the ongoing risks of violence, exploitation, and human trafficking faced by migrant and displaced women.

Through our work, we see how structural inequality, precarious work, and barriers to support can leave many women vulnerable. Recovery and empowerment take time, and access to trauma-informed, victim-centred support is essential.

Together with partners through the RESILIA project, including La Strada International, we call for stronger systems that protect rights, support mental health, and ensure survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity.

🔗 Read our joint statement:
https://www.lastradainternational.org/about-us-la-strada-international/

04/03/2026

2025 was another impactful year for HopeNow. Thanks to the generous increase in donations, we were able to expand our scope and strengthen the assistance we provide to victims of trafficking. This growth was matched by the addition of a wonderful team whose dedication has amplified our impact even further.

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to deepening our support for victims and intensifying our efforts to combat human trafficking. We are truly grateful for all the partners we have worked alongside and for the continued support that makes our mission possible.

11/02/2026

1️⃣ NGO–Government Meeting (Odense)
On 29 January, HopeNow joined Reden International, AmiAmi, and CMM for our annual NGO–Government meeting in Odense. We discussed the new Danish action plan against human trafficking, casework, data, and ways to strengthen collaboration.

We value these partnerships and the continued joint effort to combat human trafficking in Denmark.

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2️⃣ Launch of the National Action Plan (2026–2029)
On 23 January, we attended the launch of Denmark’s new National Action Plan against human trafficking. We were honoured to take part and grateful for the recognition of NGOs’ vital role in this work.

HopeNow remains committed to supporting and empowering victims and survivors, and to working closely with our partners to combat trafficking in Denmark.

04/02/2026

Come spend a day with us at HopeNow.

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15/01/2026

Meet the team behind HopeNow ⤸

HopeNow’s impact is built by this incredible team, advocates, interns, volunteers, and everyone in between.