Citation

Fernandes, Gonçalves M, Matos M. Vict. Offender 2021; 16(5): 746-769.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15564886.2021.1880509

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study aims to access the experience of the victims of human trafficking, during recruitment, exploitation, and identification phases. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview, resulting in a clinical-forensic sample of nine adult victims of both sexes - two females and seven males, aged between 42 and 67 years (M = 56.67; SD = 8.411). Data analysis was done using thematic analysis and allowed to reinforce the dynamics of trafficking in human beings, concerning victims and traffickers (e.g., the deception in the recruitment phase) and dynamics of exploitation (e.g., entrapment strategies). This study was able to provide novelty concerning the hetero identification of the victims by community members. Despite the control strategies employed by the traffickers, some victims were identified and reported by neighbors to competent authorities. This should be considered as it may be indicative that educational campaigns are having an effect by enhancing the victims' identification.

Language: en

Keywords

experience; exploitation; human trafficking; Victim