Abstract
There is relatively little empirical research into the geographies of human trafficking, despite its inherent spatiality and the clear benefits of geographical perspectives. An emerging but vibrant body of qualitative work explores different aspects of trafficking's spatiality and spatio-temporality in depth and nuance, but equivalent quantitative analyses are notably lacking. What exists is largely limited to crude maps and broad-brushed assessments of patterns and trends. Yet, rigorous quantitative work is also vital in advancing understanding, informing responses and increasing accountability. In this paper, we present a novel, empirically-substantiated examination of methodological challenges in mapping trafficking. We draw on analysis of data extracted from the case files of 450 formally identified labour trafficking victims (accessed via the UK's National Crime Agency). We identify and illustrate five characteristics of the data creating particular challenges for geospatial analysis: data integrity (regarding completeness, accuracy and consistency); geographical uncertainty (regarding spatial accuracy and specificity); managing multiple geographies (trafficking is a complex process with various stages, each potentially involving numerous locations); diversity and disaggregation (important geographical variations can be masked in aggregated analysis); and unclear journeys (analysing trafficking routes proved particularly complicated). We also consider possible solutions and explore implications for future research, policy and practice.
Highlights
There is relatively little empirical research into the geographies of human trafficking, despite its inherent spatiality and the clear benefits of geographical perspectives
Our focus throughout is on quantitative analysis and, in particular, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, many of the findings can apply to qualitative approaches too
We explore two broad and interlinked questions: 1 What are key methodological challenges for geospatial analysis of human trafficking?
Summary
There is relatively little empirical research into the geographies of human trafficking, despite its inherent spatiality and the clear benefits of geographical perspectives. Given the complexities of trafficking and the limited relevant foun dational research, we took a case-study approach, examining geospatial data for 450 people officially recognised as victims of labour trafficking in the UK. This dataset is large for this field and uniquely geographicallynuanced. We used empirical analysis as a tool to identify key method ological challenges for geospatial analysis of trafficking and suggest ways these challenges might be mitigated We took this approach rather than analysing geospatial patterns in our data because under standing the nature of these methodological and data-related issues is fundamental to effectively conducting, interpreting and using such research. We finish with a discussion and conclusions, situating our findings against the existing literature and exploring their implications for future research, policy and practice
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