Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2021)

24.   Assistance to victims

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   (1)   The Minster in conjunction with other relevant Ministries shall develop a plan, in consultation with non-governmental organizations and other representatives of civil society, for the provision of appropriate services, from governmental and non-governmental sources, for victims of trafficking and dependent children accompanying the victims, including—

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      (a)     appropriate housing, taking into account the person's status as a victim of crime and including safe conditions for sleeping, food and personal hygiene;

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      (b)     psychological counseling in a language the victim can understand;

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      (c)     medical assistance in a language the victim can understand;

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      (d)     other medical assistance as appropriate;

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      (e)     employment, educational, and training opportunities; and

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      (f)     legal assistance or legal information in a language the victim understands.

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   (2)   Victims of trafficking may be eligible to work and to receive proof of work authorization.

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   (3)   Victims of trafficking and the accompanying dependent children of victims may be entitled to receive social benefits for the duration of their stay in Saint Lucia as may be determined by the Minister responsible for social security.

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   (4)   Residence in shelters or other facilities established under this section may be voluntary, and victims may decline to stay in shelters.

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   (5)   Victims may have the option to communicate with and receive visits from family, friends and attorneys-at-law.

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   (6)   In the absence of exigent circumstances, victims of trafficking, once identified as such, must not be housed in prisons or other detention facilities for accused or convicted criminals.

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   (7)   Child victims of trafficking once identified as such, shall not be housed in prisons or other detention facilities for accused or convicted criminals under any circumstances.

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   (8)   The authorities mentioned under subsection (1) shall take into account the age, gender and special needs of the victims and accompanying dependent children in formulating plans to provide services to them and in delivering such services.

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   (9)   Plans developed in accordance with subsection (1) must be submitted for approval to the Cabinet and the authorities shall also undertake periodic reviews of the plans and implementation of the plans to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section and to ensure that all victims are treated with respect for their human rights and dignity.