Qualitative Studies in Cases of Trafficking

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates how qualitative methods such as interviews and participant observation can be used to explore, investigate, examine, and understand the continuum of harm women face throughout their migration experience. The chapter will also show the challenges faced in conducting such studies. Through in-depth interviews and participant observation, the author conducted research at a government-run trafficked shelter known as Rumah Perlindungan 5 (RP5), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2016. Forty-one individuals were interviewed comprising of 29 trafficked women and 12 professionals. The purpose of the interviews was to explore and investigate women's victim identity and the harms they face throughout their migration experience and state processes. The chapter concludes with a presentation of detailed study findings and a nuanced description of women's trafficking experiences through excerpts of interviews.