In February, Our Rescue’s Training & Prevention, Survivor Care, and Rescue Operations teams traveled to Malta—a beautiful island country on the Mediterranean Sea–with a shared mission: empower those on the front lines of justice.
Malta is on the Tier 2 Watchlist of the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, indicating that while the Maltese government is working to combat human trafficking, it does not meet the minimum standards. Some of the reasons include lack of in-country resources and skills to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases.
Superintendent Anna Marie Micallef of the Malta Police hosted the training from Our Rescue, bringing together inspectors, investigators, and prosecutors for an intensive, hands-on learning experience. The Our Rescue team trained participants with the skills to ensure survivors feel safe to share their experiences without retribution.
“Survivors need to know they are heard, believed, and supported. When law enforcement understands the weight of their words and actions, they can change the course of a survivor’s healing journey,” said Tyra Nicole, Our Rescue’s Survivor Care Coordinator in Europe.
During the sessions, investigators and prosecutors practiced trauma-informed approaches to interviewing survivors through real-world scenarios and exercises.
By the end of the training, participants strengthened their ability to build prosecutable cases while learning how to engage survivors to minimize re-traumatization.
Based on feedback from the attendees, they learned how to:
- Build rapport and trust with survivors of sex trafficking and child exploitation for successful investigations.
- Help survivors prepare to take the stand or give statements using clear and effective language.
- Interview suspects who have created or possessed child sexual abuse material
One participant shared, “We didn’t get textbook stuff, we got real, raw firsthand emotions and experiences. It was such an experience to watch and learn.”
Survivor Care Perspective
At the conclusion of the week-long training, Our Rescue hosted an event organized by the University of Malta, gathering more than 50 service providers to discuss collaborative strategies for combating sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Representatives from NGOs, government agencies, and law enforcement shared their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals. In heartfelt discussions, they explored the power of partnerships in tackling sex trafficking crimes and ensuring comprehensive survivor care. Participants shared insights on training needs, investigative and prosecutorial challenges, and best practices for survivor support.
“No single organization or agency can tackle this issue alone,” said Tyra. “That’s why it was such an honor to sit among stakeholders who are deeply committed to fighting trafficking and exploitation. Every voice at the table matters, and together, we are stronger.”
Next Steps
Our Rescue will continue supporting Malta Police to reinforce trauma-informed methodologies and to help train judges for sex trafficking and exploitation cases.
Thank you Superintendent Micallef and Commissioner Keith Squires for their dedication to protecting vulnerable children and bringing justice to perpetrators.