studies (which can explore causation in order to demonstrate underlying principles), and the sharing of good practice by trafficking experts. All professionals within the mental health sector should be provided with additional specialist training on Complex Trauma and the therapeutic needs of victims of trafficking. HBF considers that minimum standards and clinical information should be incorporated within fundamental protocols and training modules and disseminated via face-toface training by specialists who are experts in contact work, through comprehensive, accessible and narrative guidelines which are tailored directly to the needs of busy frontline professionals. On minimum standards of support and assistance for victims of trafficking We recommend establishing international minimum standards of support and assistance for victims of trafficking which build upon the spirit and principles of the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings. not possible and age assessments are most likely to happen in cases where a young person is unaccompanied, without status in the country and lacking the support of family, it is HBF’s view that physical age assessments can discriminate against those who are vulnerable. Child protection issues (including safety, welfare, housing, therapeutic care and related needs as well as contact with the authorities/police) must take immediate precedence over concerns with determination of the age of the victim. A young victim of trafficking whose age is disputed should be given the benefit of the doubt. Unless and until their age is established via an in-depth assessment they should be accepted and treated as a child and provided with full access to appropriate support and services. Any age assessment of a victim of trafficking should be: – – – In-depth, resulting from multiple sessions with the victim Conducted in a way that is conducive to the victim’s individual needs. Conducted so that it takes full account of the specific trafficking aspects of each individual case The use of interpreters for all contact work with victims of trafficking Qualified, professional interpreters should be made available in all cases where the local language is not the victim’s first language. This should include cases of those who are apparently proficient in the local language, as fluency frequently lapses in times of stress. Family members should not be used for intimate conversations and it should be recognized that the person the victim fears most may well pose as a “friend” willing to assist. (Article 12(1)(c) Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings) Accommodation Access to safe accommodation which is appropriate for the personal situation of the individual victim of trafficking. This should be located in areas where they are safe from traffickers and other dangers. Access to legal advice Referral to a legal representative who specializes in trafficking work is essential so that victims of trafficking can obtain advice on their legal situation and options and referral to other legal specialists. Such legal specialists should have an understanding of the basic services required by victims. (Article 12(1)(d) Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings). The option to take classes in the relevant national language: These should be without charge and available as a choice for victims of trafficking who feel able and safe enough to participate. Lack of a working knowledge of the local language exacerbates isolation and can reinforce lingering relationships with traffickers upon whom the victim has to rely for communication.128 Language skills can therefore assist sustained recovery and rehabilitation. Appropriate assessment of age From a developmental point of view, the “cut off ” point between the “minor” age of 17 and the “majority” age of 18 is arbitrary. It has no bearing on the vulnerability or individual needs of any young person who has been, or is at risk of, human trafficking. As exact determination of age is 116 Regular support payments Regular support payments; beyond mere subsistence (i.e. sufficient for the welfare and well-being of victims) should be provided. Support levels that are below subsistence risk further harm and/or exploitation (for example in on-street prostitution or forced labour).