European Anti-Trafficking Day: Supporting Recovery Through Safe and Inclusive Sport

18 October 2026 | RECOVER highlights the importance of equipping sports professionals to support survivors’ confidence, connection and participation in community life.

Leaving exploitation behind is a crucial step towards safety. For survivors of human trafficking, rebuilding their lives can require continued support, access to opportunities and relationships built on trust. European Anti-Trafficking Day, marked on 18 October, reminds us that the response to trafficking must include sustained attention to recovery and social inclusion.

This year’s observance comes as the European Commission presents its new strategy on combating trafficking in human beings. Published on 16 October 2026, the strategy reinforces the importance of victims’ rights, support and protection within Europe’s response to exploitation.

RECOVER contributes to this wider effort by addressing a practical question: how can sports professionals create environments where survivors feel safe, respected and able to participate on their own terms?

Creating opportunities to reconnect

Experiences of exploitation can affect confidence, trust and relationships. Alongside access to specialist services, survivors may need opportunities to establish routines, develop interests and reconnect with their communities.

Sport can offer one such opportunity. A supportive group activity can provide space for positive interactions, shared experiences and personal achievement. Participation may help individuals discover their strengths and build relationships beyond formal support settings.

Preparing professionals through RECOVER’s Capacity-Building Programme

RECOVER’s Capacity-Building Programme equips coaches, trainers and support professionals with knowledge and approaches to create safer, more inclusive sporting environments for survivors of human trafficking. Its focus includes trauma-informed practice, trust-building and meaningful participation.

Understanding trauma-informed practice means recognising that past experiences may influence how someone responds to instructions, physical contact, competition or group interaction. This awareness helps professionals approach participation with sensitivity and avoid assumptions about what a person needs or feels comfortable doing.

Strengthening cooperation around survivors’ needs

Sports professionals have a valuable role within a wider network of support. Their contribution is to provide positive opportunities for participation while recognising when specialist assistance is needed.

RECOVER’s research identified gaps in trauma-informed training for sports professionals and limited collaboration between sport, social support and health services. Its Capacity-Building Programme responds to these challenges by strengthening professional understanding and supporting more informed practice.

Making inclusion part of the response to trafficking

European Anti-Trafficking Day is an opportunity to consider what long-term support looks like in daily life. Safety, access to services and opportunities for meaningful participation all deserve sustained attention.

Through its Capacity-Building Programme, RECOVER helps professionals turn the principles of dignity, inclusion and empowerment into practical choices about how sport is delivered. Its contribution lies in preparing people to create welcoming environments where survivors can explore their interests, build connections and participate at their own pace.

Discover RECOVER and learn more about its work to support recovery and social inclusion through sport.