ASTRÉE Association

ASTRÉE, Association de Soutien aux personnes victimes de Traite Et d'Exploitation, is a non-profit association created to manage the device for victims of human trafficking in the Canton of Vaud. The association began its activities at the end of 2014 following an interpellation submitted in 2012 to the Vaud Grand Council highlighting the need to create a cantonal device to combat human trafficking. The scheme is structured around four areas of activity: detection, accommodation, accompaniment for victims and raising institutional awareness. The association works with various departments and organizations at municipal, cantonal and national level. The objectives are to improve the detection of trafficking situations, provide adequate and secure accommodation, offer comprehensive support (medical, psychological, administrative, legal and integration), improve protection standards for victims and raise awareness of the issue among institutions and the general public. The ASTRÉE association supports people who have been exploited in a variety of environments, such as forced prostitution, forced labor in various sectors (catering, domestic work, agriculture and construction, among others), as well as in forced illicit activities. The definition used as a basis for identification, and the support offered, are based on the standards of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.