Concepts in women trafficking for sexual exploitation: a survey with institutional representatives in Brazil and Portugal

This study focuses on concepts involved in women trafficking for sexual exploitation according to representatives of government and nongovernmental institutions working with policies to confront and prevent trafficking and assist victims in Brazil and Portugal. An exploratory qualitative study was performed to identify the institutional discourses on women trafficking using thematic analysis. Interviewees displayed conceptual imprecision concerning women trafficking, sometimes ignoring the rights of sex workers to migrate and work in other countries. There is no consensus among the institutions on the profile of trafficking victims, marked by stereotypes, and the definition is influenced by legislation and border controls. Greater conceptual precision would minimize the role of moral values, orient more adequate and efficient public policies, and facilitate staff action in assisting victims.