Trafficking in human beings has extensive implications for the social, economic, and organizational fabric of society. The underlying causes are poverty, unemployment, and lack of education and access to resources. The European Union has been actively engaged since 1996 in developing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach towards prevention of and fight against trafficking in human beings, an approach including preventive measures; penal legislation as well as cooperation involving police and judicial authorities; protection, assistance, and support for victims; and appropriate cooperation policies. The report describes the STOP Program, which is aimed at judges, public prosecutors, police departments, civil servants, and public services concerned with immigration and border controls, social and tax legislation, trafficking and sexual exploitation, victim support, and treatment for perpetrators. It also describes the DAPHNE Program, a 4-year program of community action on preventive measures to fight violence against children, young people, and women. The report reviews programs and initiatives in the fields of employment and social affairs, social support for victims of trafficking, and financial instruments to support countries' efforts to combat trafficking in human beings.