Our Commitment to Preventing Human Trafficking
We at Veloura hold the belief that each adult should be able to make their own choices, be treated with respect, and have control over their personal decisions. Human trafficking, forced labour, exploitation, and coercion must not occur in any industry and we do not support any activity which involves threats, pressure, manipulation, or the involvement of minors.
The approach we have adopted is rooted in personal freedom, informed consent, privacy, and respect. Our goal is to make it possible for adults to decide for themselves whether or not to join, to understand the terms on which they will be represented, and to make their choices without feeling any pressure. We take concerns regarding trafficking and exploitation very seriously and therefore ask all individuals to report any suspicious activity.
Our Commitment to Preventing Human Trafficking
We are committed to taking the necessary steps to prevent exploitation and to safeguard the rights of each individual who is represented on our platform. In order to appear on Veloura, each person must apply on their own initiative and voluntarily, and no one should be forced, threatened or pressured into agreeing to be listed or in maintaining their relationship with the agency.
How We Check Profiles
Before a profile has been set up, we examine the applicant’s identity and their application, with the aim of verifying that the person making the application is an adult and that they are doing so on their own.
Before we include a profile, we check the photo identification document which has been issued by the government, since it forms part of our identity review process.
As for identity and photographs, we are confirming that the individual completing the application is the same person who appears in the photographs and that the application is being submitted on their behalf.
The steps referred to are included in the listing procedure that we have outlined. Since no single check can identify every possible instance of exploitation, all such concerns must always be taken seriously.
Recognising Possible Signs of Exploitation
It is not always easy to spot human trafficking and coercion, but there are some signs which might show that a person is being controlled, threatened, or exploited.
Be aware if someone:
- It is unable to speak freely, since it seems that some other person is answering each of its questions on its behalf.
- It appears that they are afraid, feel threatened, or are under pressure when talking about their situation.
- One cannot leave the situation or make individual decisions.
- They are in no position for getting their own identification documents or their mobile phones.
- Seems to be under eighteen years of age.
- Receiving from another person directions as to what one should say or what kind of behaviour one should display.
- It is incorrect to ignore the fact that those signs do not prove that trafficking is happening. But if a situation seems suspicious, you should report it; you are not required to conduct your own investigation or be sure that exploitation is taking place before raising an alert.
How to Report Human Trafficking
Should you think that trafficking, coercion, or exploitation is occurring, lodging a report will enable the relevant authorities to examine the situation.
In India, should anyone be in danger or need urgent help you must press 112.
If you are worried about a child you should contact 1098 to make a report.
Our Response to Reports
We carefully consider each report of possible exploitation, mattering no matter where it comes from whether it is from a client, a listed individual or a member of the public. If a concern about a listing is received, the listing will be removed while it is under review. Concerns should also be forwarded to the relevant authorities where appropriate.
We prefer to look at a report which turns out to be a misinterpretation rather than ignore a concern that might affect someone’s safety, and we also want people to give information in a responsible manner by avoiding the spread of unverified claims or personal details to the public.
Consent, Privacy, and Personal Freedom
Consent has to be given freely and may at any time be withdrawn; every adult has the right to establish personal boundaries, to make their own choices and to say no to any situation which makes them uncomfortable. No one should be intimidated, deceived or pressured into doing something against their will.
Official Government Resources
For additional information on human trafficking, child protection and emergency assistance in India, visitors can refer to the following official Government of India resources:
- Ministry of Home Affairs – Anti-Trafficking Cell: The Ministry of Home Affairs provides information, guidelines and advisories relating to the prevention of human trafficking and strengthening law-enforcement responses in India. Visit the Anti-Trafficking Cell
- Ministry of Home Affairs – Anti-Trafficking Advisories: The MHA publishes official advisories and guidance concerning human trafficking, including measures for strengthening prevention and law-enforcement responses. View Human Trafficking Advisories
- Child Helpline 1098 – Ministry of Women and Child Development: The Government of India provides Child Helpline 1098 under Mission Vatsalya for children in crisis and situations requiring care and protection. The service is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System 112. Visit Child Helpline 1098
- Mission Vatsalya – Ministry of Women and Child Development: Mission Vatsalya provides government-supported child protection, care and rehabilitation services and addresses vulnerabilities involving abuse, neglect and exploitation. Learn about Mission Vatsalya