A Systematic Review of Professionals’ Knowledge and Perceptions on Child Trafficking

Abstract

ABSTRACT Child trafficking is a complex and multifaceted crime, representing a challenge for professionals who work daily to protect its victims. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations to understand the knowledge and perceptions of professionals who work with child trafficking victims. Our search yielded 21 articles for inclusion in the review. The samples consisted of social, justice, healthcare, and education professionals, as well as stakeholders and/or other professionals. The results were organized into the following themes: qualifications and professional experience that may influence knowledge and perceptions; knowledge and perceptions about the victimization process, the impact of victimization, the judicial process, and professional practices; and a lack of knowledge about the subject, specifically regarding the definition of child trafficking, risk and vulnerability factors, the scale and prevalence of the phenomenon, victimization dynamics, the legislative and policy framework, and professional practices. The findings suggest that organizational policies and practices should prioritize investing in training specialized professionals, not just in recognizing the phenomenon but also in delivering practices that focus on meeting the needs of the victims. This study will hopefully inform the development of awareness and training programs based on the needs and challenges faced by these professionals.