CoMensha | Coördinatiecentrum tegen Mensenhandel

What CoMensha | Coördinatiecentrum tegen Mensenhandel does

Comensha (Coördinatiecentrum tegen Mensenhandel) is the national coordination centre against human trafficking in the Netherlands, established in 1986 and headquartered in Utrecht. The organisation operates as a private non-governmental, non-profit body with 17 employees, a management team led by Executive Director Anne Kuik, and governance by a Supervisory Board (Raad van Toezicht). It serves two principal beneficiary groups: trafficking victims themselves, who receive free shelter coordination, legal aid referrals, residence-permit guidance, interpreter reimbursement, and reintegration support; and a professional constituency spanning Dutch municipalities, police, the Public Prosecution Service, the IND, the Netherlands Labour Authority, shelter providers, and healthcare workers who depend on Comensha for reporting mechanisms, care-coordinator routing, training, and policy tooling.

The core 'technology' is a coordination platform rather than a software product. Its functional components include: an online reporting form (hosted on a third-party CVS Online infrastructure) for professionals to flag suspected victims; a victim registration and analysis system that captures demographics and exploitation sector; an exclusive placement authority over 50 COSM (Categorale Opvang Slachtoffers Mensenhandel) shelter places used during the B8 reflection period for non-Dutch adult victims; and a nationwide network of regional care coordinators covering every Dutch province since 2022. Supporting tools include the Combating Human Trafficking Compass (co-developed with the VNG for municipal policy-making), sector-specific Signal Cards (Signaalkaart) such as the one for the hospitality industry, fact sheets, and the Human Trafficking Academy training platform. Comensha's data on the national caseload (944 victims registered in 2024 versus 868 in 2023) feeds both the Centre of Expertise EMM intelligence product and policy advice to government.

Comensha is funded almost exclusively through Dutch government channels: a central grant (channeled through the Ministry of Justice and Security) plus a coordinated funding pool from 35 core municipalities responsible for shelter and care provision. The economic model is therefore that of a publicly mandated coordinating NGO with no commercial pricing, no product licence revenue, and limited (if any) philanthropic diversification visible in the input. Strategic positioning rests on the combination of a statutory-style national mandate, deep institutional partnerships (Police, OM, IND, COA, Salvation Army, Red Cross, IOM, FairWork, EMM, Nidos, and over 30 other entities), international network membership (La Strada, GAATW, EU Civil Society Platform, UN Women's Convention Network), and an expanding Caribbean footprint via the PRONAD partnership covering Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Aruba, and the BES islands.

Name

CoMensha | Coördinatiecentrum tegen Mensenhandel

Legal name

Comensha

Website

https://comensha.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Comensha is the Dutch national coordination centre against human trafficking, operating from Utrecht with 17 staff to register victims, coordinate shelter and care, advise municipalities, and train professionals across the Netherlands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Anti-human trafficking coordination services

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency Shelter, NFIs & Winterization for Displaced Populations (BPADAHAG)

Keywords

• Human trafficking coordination
• Victim shelter services
• Anti-trafficking policy
• Care coordination network
• Victim registration system

Headquarters

HQ city

Utrecht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Comensha operates as a non-governmental organization funded by government grants. The shelter network is funded by 35 core municipalities. Comensha coordinates initial shelter and transfers victims to local care coordinators for long-term support.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CoMensha is the national coordination centre against human trafficking in the Netherlands. It coordinates initial shelter placement for victims (operating 50 COSM category-based places for non-Dutch adult victims), registers and analyses data on suspected victims, connects and supports partner organizations (police, municipalities, care providers, shelter operators), and advises government on effective approaches. It also runs a national Help Desk, online reporting channels, training for professionals via the Human Trafficking Academy, and tools such as the Combating Human Trafficking Compass for municipalities.

Product overview

CoMensha is the national coordination centre against human trafficking in the Netherlands. Rather than a traditional software product, it operates a coordination platform comprising: an online reporting system for suspected victims, a nationwide care coordinator network, a victim registration and analysis system, and COSM shelter placement coordination. Supporting tools include the Combating Human Trafficking Compass (digital policy tool for municipalities), policy templates, fact sheets, and signal cards for specific sectors. Services include interpreter cost reimbursement and training via the Human Trafficking Academy. The organization connects municipalities, police, healthcare providers, and shelter organizations to coordinate victim assistance and combat human trafficking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Online Reporting Forms (CVS Online) Digital forms enabling professionals to report suspected victims of human trafficking and request shelter or assistance for victims.
• Care Coordinator Network Nationwide network of regional care coordinators providing the first point of contact for victims and professionals, ensuring proper procedures and appropriate support across all Dutch provinces.
• Victim Registration System System for registering victims and suspected victims of human trafficking, collecting key characteristics such as age, origin, and exploitation sector to map the nature and extent of trafficking in the Netherlands.
• COSM Shelter Coordination Categorale Opvang Slachtoffers Mensenhandel (COSM) placement authority for non-Dutch adult victims, providing specialist care during the B8 reflection period across 50 COSM places in the Netherlands.
• Combating Human Trafficking Compass Digital tool developed with the VNG (Association of Netherlands Municipalities) to help municipalities create or improve their local policies on combating human trafficking step by step.
• Policy Templates and Fact Sheets Practical policy templates and comprehensive fact sheets developed by Comensha to help municipalities establish effective approaches to combating human trafficking.
• Signaalkaart (Signal Card) for the Hospitality Sector Practical indicator card developed for hospitality sector employees to recognize and report signs of sexual exploitation in hotels and holiday parks.
• Interpreter Reimbursement Scheme Scheme enabling reimbursement of interpretation costs for victims of human trafficking who are not living in a shelter but require assistance.
• Human Trafficking Academy (Mensenhandel Academy) Training and awareness platform offering indicator cards, fact sheets, and educational materials for professionals to recognize human trafficking indicators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 944 victims registered in 2024, enabling them to access shelter, care, and legal support

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered specialized care, core shelter partner, core enforcement partner, core partner, core intelligence partner, core legal partner, international network, regional partner and legal partner.

• ARQ Centrum'45specialized careOthersRuns a programme for human trafficking victims with psychological and psychiatric problems, offering thorough diagnostic assessment and specialist treatment to promote recovery and prevent revictimisation
• Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA)core shelter partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides shelter for people seeking asylum in the Netherlands. COA staff are trained to recognise signs of human trafficking and can provide guidance to victims. Every COA location has at least one contact person for human trafficking.
• Netherlands Labour Authoritycore enforcement partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponsible for detecting labour exploitation. When inspectors encounter labour exploitation, they report it and contact Comensha to arrange shelter for victims. Has authority to place victims in NLA shelters.
• Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V)core partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplements the government's return policy. Ensures departures are conducted with care and dignity. Can assist victims without travel documents to obtain them.
• Centre of Expertise on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (EMM)core intelligence partnerTechnology or IntegrationPartnership between Police, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, Dutch Labour Authority, IND, and Public Prosecution Service. Brings together monitoring reports and criminal investigations on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
• Expertise Centre for Sexuality, Sex Work and Human Trafficking (ESSM)core partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Social Work division of Humanitas Foundation in Rotterdam. Provides specialist support to sex workers, victims of human trafficking, transgender people, LGBT+ youth and others. Care coordinator for South Holland Rotterdam region.
• FairWorkcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCombats and prevents modern slavery in the Netherlands. Provides support for victims, trains professionals, and raises public and political awareness of labour exploitation.
• Het Colleqtiefcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentre of expertise on inappropriate sexual behaviour and human trafficking. Collaboration between Levvel and HVO-Querido. Advises municipalities on shaping policies around tackling these issues.
• Het Juridisch Loket (Legal Advice Bureau)core legal partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free personal legal advice including how to file a report with police, victim rights during interrogation, questions about staying in Netherlands, accommodation, working conditions and wages.
• Red Crosscore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to protecting human rights of foreign victims. Trains social workers to recognise signs of human trafficking early. Offers legal and practical support during residence application procedure.
• Centre Against Human Trafficking (CTM)core shelter partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports people who are homeless or struggling with psychological problems or addictions. Special focus on sex workers, victims of human trafficking and undocumented migrants. Provides shelter, counselling and daytime activities.
• Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)core partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerResponsible for implementing the Residence Scheme for Victims of Human Trafficking (B8). Plays important role in early detection and referral of reports. Informs victims about options for reporting human trafficking.
• International Organisation for Migration (IOM)core partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports migrants who voluntarily return to their country of origin. Helps arrange journeys home including transport, paperwork, and financial support for first few days after arrival.
• Nidoscore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerHas guardianship over unaccompanied foreign minors. Determines placement in secure shelter when there is even the slightest indication of human trafficking. Arranges treatment for psychological trauma.
• Policecore enforcement partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerEach police unit has a Migration Crime and Human Trafficking Team. Investigates reports of suspected human trafficking while caring for victims through partner assistance organizations.
• Public Prosecution Service (OM)core enforcement partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerClosely involved in detecting human trafficking and responsible for prosecuting traffickers. Supports victims by informing, advising and guiding them with regard to their rights during criminal proceedings.
• Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar)core enforcement partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerforms role of border police and encounters victims of transnational human trafficking. Can intervene in situations where other forms of human trafficking are suspected and shares reports with EMM.
• Salvation Armycore shelter partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeavily involved in fight against human trafficking in Europe and globally. Provides social support and legal assistance to undocumented victims and runs shelters including OMM facilities for multi-problem victims.
• SHOP (The Hague)core partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnowledge and expertise centre on sex work and human trafficking based in The Hague. Offers information, advice, psychosocial and practical support, and shelter to current and former sex workers and victims.
• Victim Support Netherlandscore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers support to victims of human trafficking from the Netherlands and other EU countries. Provides emotional support and assistance tailored to personal situation.
• Veilig Thuiscore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides advice, support and reporting service for domestic violence and child abuse. Each region has its own Veilig Thuis organization with designated human trafficking officers. Can be contacted to discuss concerns about human trafficking.
• La Strada Internationalinternational networkStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network active in combating human trafficking. Comensha is an active player in this network as part of international cooperation efforts.
• GAATWinternational networkStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Alliance Against Traffic in Women - international civil society network. Comensha participates in this network for international cooperation on human trafficking.
• EU Civil Society Platform against Trafficking in Human Beingsinternational networkStrategic or Co-development PartnerEU-level platform bringing together civil society organizations working against human trafficking. Comensha participates in this European network.
• UN Women's Convention Networkinternational networkStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork under the UN Women's Convention framework addressing violence against women including human trafficking. Comensha participates in international efforts.
• PRONADregional partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to combating human trafficking, smuggling, migration crime within Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Suriname. Provides analysis, expert advice, and practical support to professionals.
• Koraalcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngages in prevention, treatment, knowledge development and sharing in area of human trafficking. Specializes in victims with mild intellectual disability (MID) who also face addiction or mental health problems.
• Sterk Huiscore shelter partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers support to people in difficult or threatening situations including domestic violence and sexual abuse. Focus on complex questions about parenting, development and safety. Provides care coordination in North Brabant.
• Yadeborgcore shelter partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides safe base for displaced children, young people and victims of human trafficking. Unaccompanied foreign minors accommodated in processing shelters (POAs), while those with residence permits find safe home in small housing units (KWEs).
• Legal Aid Boardlegal partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegulates subsidised legal assistance in the Netherlands. Does not provide legal assistance directly but sets the framework for victims to access legal support.
• Violent Offences Compensation Fundcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffers financial compensation to victims and families. Victims of human trafficking in the Netherlands are eligible for compensation ranging from €1,000 to maximum €35,000 depending on severity of harm.
• Brabant-Zeeland RIEC Taskforceregional partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks with local authorities, government, businesses and residents to combat and prevent subversive criminal activity. Prioritises human trafficking among other themes including cocaine, cannabis, synthetic drugs and money laundering.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Slachtofferhulp Nederland: National Dutch organisation providing emotional support, practical assistance, and legal guidance to victims of crime including trafficking. Comparable as a Dutch victim-services NGO with nationwide coverage and government funding structure.
• Nidos: Dutch foundation providing guardianship for unaccompanied foreign minors, with trafficking detection and shelter placement authority. Comparable as a Dutch organisation with a statutory mandate to protect vulnerable foreign nationals, including trafficking victims.
• Polaris Project: US-based anti-trafficking organisation operating the National Human Trafficking Hotline and operating data-driven programmes. Comparable as a national anti-trafficking coordination body combining hotline services, victim registration, and data analysis.
• Het Juridisch Loket: Government-funded Dutch organisation providing free legal advice including on trafficking-related matters. Comparable as a publicly funded Dutch legal aid provider serving trafficking victims alongside Comensha's network.
• La Strada International: Amsterdam-based international NGO platform against trafficking in human beings with member organisations across Europe. Directly comparable to Comensha as both operate as national/regional anti-trafficking coordination and advocacy bodies serving overlapping stakeholder groups.
• International Justice Mission: Global NGO working to combat human trafficking and modern slavery through rescue operations, survivor aftercare, and policy advocacy. Comparable as an anti-trafficking organisation combining direct victim services, law enforcement partnerships, and policy influence.
• FairWork: Dutch NGO combating modern slavery and labour exploitation, providing victim support, professional training, and awareness-raising. Operates in the same Dutch anti-trafficking ecosystem as Comensha with overlapping target populations and professional partner networks.

Emerging players

• ARQ Centrum'45: Dutch specialist organisation offering diagnostic and treatment programmes for victims of human trafficking with psychological trauma. Comparable through its specialised victim-care services and partnership with Comensha, though it focuses on clinical treatment rather than coordination.

Broad incumbents

• Salvation Army Netherlands (Leger des Heils): Large Dutch and international organisation providing shelter (including OMM facilities for trafficking victims), social support, and legal assistance. Comparable as a Dutch shelter provider for trafficking victims, but operates across a much broader social services portfolio.

Others

• International Organization for Migration (IOM) Netherlands: UN agency providing voluntary return and reintegration support for migrants including trafficking victims. Comparable as a partner organisation supporting Comensha's victim cohort with cross-border return services rather than as a direct service competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/comensha.nl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/comensha
• Instagraminstagram.com/comensha

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CoMensha | Coördinatiecentrum tegen Mensenhandel