Tampep is a working group based in Turin since 1993, which emerged from the European action-research project ‘Transnational AIDS/STD Prevention among Migrant Prostitutes in Europe’ with the aim of developing and disseminating new strategies and working methods with and for migrant sex workers, and of preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV. The project was led by peer educators – that is, people who live with and understand the reality of sex work from the inside – without judgement towards those engaged in sex work and using specific risk-reduction methods.

On 23 July 2001, the Tampep Association was founded: since then, we have been committed to promoting initiatives aimed at people with a migrant background and in vulnerable situations. At the heart of our work lies respect for the rights and dignity of socially discriminated and marginalised people, with whom we develop programmes designed to facilitate social integration and the acquisition of the tools necessary to lead an independent life. We have always paid particular attention to cis and trans women in the implementation of our programmes, not only because they are more frequently the targets of violence and social and economic exclusion, but also – and above all – because they are agents of change and development for their families and for the wider community to which they belong, in the construction and reconstruction of the social fabric.

We operate in a number of different areas:
– Combating human trafficking – we are registered in the Second Section of the Register of Associations and Organisations carrying out activities in support of migrants, established by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies: this enables us to implement the Unified Programme for the Identification, Assistance and Social Integration of Victims of Human Trafficking, as provided for in Article 18 of the Consolidated Law on Immigration (Legislative Decree No. 286/98). Through outreach work in the local area and consultations at our helpdesk, we work to uncover cases of trafficking and severe exploitation, offering survivors support programmes that also include residential accommodation in protected facilities, enabling them to escape coercive situations and build a new life for themselves. The autonomy and independence of the people we meet are the core objectives of all our work;
– Combating labour exploitation – we carry out initiatives aimed at identifying and bringing to light cases of labour exploitation. We offer those affected information, guidance and support in accessing services, assisting them on their journey towards regularising their administrative status in the area and securing regular and dignified employment;
– Social and healthcare support: we promote an inclusive and integrated approach to health. We work to ensure access to care for people with a migrant background, whether they are here legally or not, as well as for all the individuals we encounter. In our work, we aim to maintain a strong anthropological focus on alternative conceptions of the body and care, translating this perspective into practices that are as effective as possible;
– Legal guidance and support – we work to build pathways to freedom and dignity. We see our work as a bridge that facilitates effective access to rights, removing barriers and bridging the gaps that often separate people in vulnerable situations from the full exercise of their rights. Among our various areas of work, we focus in particular on helping people emerge from a situation of irregularity, supporting them through the administrative regularisation process. We also work to identify those who have suffered persecution and to offer support with the application process for international protection;
– Valuing gender diversity – the concepts developed by feminist theories, intersectional transfeminist thought and decolonial studies inform our work and help shape our worldviews. We pay particular attention to cis and trans women, often from migrant backgrounds, as they experience layered forms of oppression, violence, social and economic exclusion, and exploitation. Our aim is to reverse the geographies of power, supporting the movement of women and non-conforming individuals from the margins to the centre, thereby gaining an alternative perspective on gender relations and masculinity.

Our areas of intervention are reflected in the activities we carry out in direct contact with people and in collaboration with other local organisations:
– The outreach team – through our outreach team, we reach out to those engaged in sex work on the streets and/or indoors, and those involved in begging. We share information on health issues and access to rights, and provide information leaflets, healthcare supplies, food and personal hygiene products. Where possible, those we contact are immediately referred to the appropriate services if they have specific requests or needs, and are invited to visit our drop-in centre for further support;
– The low-threshold drop-in centre – the low-threshold drop-in centre offers a listening ear, guidance and support in accessing local services to anyone who comes through the door, with a focus on those in particularly vulnerable situations. It is here that pathways out of sexual and/or labour exploitation are initiated and support programmes for individuals are set up. This support, as well as being tailored to the individual, aims to be as comprehensive as possible and to seek solutions for each of the issues raised during the consultation. We often assist those facing difficulties with regularisation procedures and those who are in the process of applying for international protection;
– Accommodation – in our flats, we provide shelter for people who have escaped situations of exploitation and/or human trafficking. As part of our programmes for recovery, protection and integration, we support each individual in coming to terms with their experiences, in acquiring the skills needed to navigate our society, and in building a new sense of well-being that enables them to achieve independence;
– Training and awareness-raising – we run training and awareness-raising programmes in schools and aimed at young people, with the aim of raising awareness of certain aspects of a little-known phenomenon such as human trafficking. We provide training for professionals working with people from migrant backgrounds who wish to acquire more specific skills on the issues of human trafficking and severe exploitation;
– Networking – we share our expertise to support other organisations working with foreign nationals, asylum seekers or beneficiaries of international protection. We provide advice and support our colleagues in working with people whose vulnerability stems from experiences of trafficking, exploitation or gender-based violence. We collaborate with research and monitoring organisations such as Numero Verde Antitratta and IRES Piemonte, making our expertise and fieldwork available to them. We are part of the National Anti-Trafficking Platform, the CCVD – Citizens’ Coordination Against Violence Against Women, and the GRIS – Piedmont Immigration and Health Group. We work with institutions such as the Territorial Commissions for the Recognition of International Protection, courts, public prosecutors’ offices and labour inspectorates to assist with the intake and completion of administrative procedures for individuals eligible for protection programmes.