[Barriers and proposals for a health care approach to trafficking for sexual exploitation]

Abstract

Objective: To examine the perception of the trafficking in women for sexual exploitation, identify the difficulties and collect the proposals of professionals in direct contact with the victims of trafficking in women for sexual exploitation in Andalusia (Spain).

Method: Qualitative study based on interviews with 10 key informants, selected from organizations providing support and care to victims of trafficking in women for sexual exploitation in 2021. Two researchers carried out a thematic categorical content analysis, integrative and relational analysis. Three themes with different sub-themes were analyzed.

Results: Difficulties have been identified in relation to women (delay in recognizing themselves as victims, cultural differences, distrust of the system), traffickers (modification of strategies), health professionals (lack of sensitivity and lack of homogeneity in actions) and the health system (lack of cultural intermediation, administrative complexity). The key informants propose more training for professionals, the use of effective action protocols and better coordination between institutions.

Conclusions: The health sector faces a number of challenges in responding comprehensively and effectively to trafficking in women for sexual exploitation. Improvements are needed in raising awareness among health professionals, the development of standardized protocols, greater collaboration between sectors, the provision of specialized mental health services and effective cultural mediation.

Keywords: Healthcare sector; Human trafficking; Investigación cualitativa; Mujeres; Qualitative research; Sector sanitario; Sex offenses; Trata de seres humanos; Violencia sexual; Women.