Victims Of Exploitation Research Articles

Can a ‘structural competency’ approach improve the safeguarding of diverse marginalised communities from exploitation?

This article examines if a ‘structural competency’ approach can help with understanding and addressing deficiencies in identifying potential exploitation victims among marginalised communities. Through a case study of multi-agency work within a unitary English local authority area, it explores how safeguarding and anti-modern slavery systems recognise exploitation cases among Roma communities. The concept of ‘structural competency’ illustrates how culture and structure can jointly create stigmatisation and inequities in safeguarding. We argue that ‘structural competency’ highlights structural inequities and institutional discrimination in anti-exploitation and safeguarding practices, in contrast to the commonly adopted approach of ‘cultural competence,’ which can exacerbate the othering and risk of exploitation for marginalised communities.

A psychodynamic study of the sexual exploitation of adolescent girls

The literature on the risk of child (commercial) sexual exploitation (C(C)SE) contains limited reference to victim-related factors in the victimisation process. Similarly, the possible links between these factors and adolescence have rarely been considered. However, there is agreement that the age at which most victimisation occurs is between 11 and 14 years. This study seeks to demonstrate how a psychoanalytical approach to adolescence can clarify sexual victimisation behaviours (including sexual exploitation) observed in young girls and enable social workers to deal effectively with these paradoxical behaviours, which appear incomprehensible and discouraging. After presenting the epistemological assumptions of psychoanalytical theories, this study illustrates how early phases of adolescence are considered vulnerable. This study refers to the resurgence of Oedipal fantasies, which, actualised by adolescents’ sexual maturity, threaten family homoeostasis and can lead adolescents to act out. These include risky sexual behaviours leading to multiple victimisations (including sex trafficking), often with irreversible consequences. Based on diverse situations, including that of a young female victim of sexual exploitation, this study attempts to highlight sexual trajectories with multiple victimisations.

A - 84 Associations between Social Vulnerability, Adaptive Functioning, and Personal Distress in Non-Demented Older Adults

Abstract Objective Though social vulnerability is associated with cognitive decline in older adults, its correlation with socioemotional and functional changes, both common in neurogenerative diseases, is often overlooked. We sought to elucidate the interplay between these critical domains in older adults with varying degrees of cognitive compromise, including participants who presented with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), or were cognitively unimpaired (CU), with implications for enhancing risk detection in vulnerable populations. Method Participants (N = 97; Mage = 74.64 ± 7.42 years; Meducation = 15.76 ± 2.42 years; 74.2% female) were community-dwelling older adults, along with their informants, who underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing and responded to the Social Vulnerability Scale (SVS15), an informant-reported assessment designed to identify potential victims of exploitation. A Kruskal-Wallis test determined group differences on SVS15 (CU, SCD, MCI). Spearman correlations tested relationships among SVS15 and adaptive functioning (Assessment of Functional Capacity Interview, Financial Capacity Instrument) and personal distress, a measure of the tendency to experience anxiety/distress in response to others’ suffering (Interpersonal Reactivity Index–Personal Distress). Results SVS15 scores significantly differed across diagnostic groups, H(2) = 7.060, p < 0.05, with the MCI group performing significantly worse than the CU group, H(2) = 17.703, p < 0.05. SVS15 was significantly associated with worse functional (r = 0.571, p < 0.001) and financial (r = −0.224, p = 0.027) capacity and heightened personal distress (r = 0.390, p < 0.001). Conclusions Increased social vulnerability is associated with functional impairment and personal distress in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Older adults with elevated emotional reactivity in distressing situations and lower levels of functional and financial capacity may be more susceptible to exploitation.

Tindak Kejahatan Perdagangan Manusia Di Dunia Sebagai Bentuk Pelanggaran Hak Asasi Manusia Di Era Globalisasi

Human trafficking or often called human trafficking is a type of transnational crime involving violations of human rights (HAM). This is related to violations of the most fundamental human rights, namely the right to freedom, a better life, prosperity and human rights as creatures with dignity. The government's protection of its citizens is still relatively ineffective, because there are still many unknown victims of exploitation. The increasingly developing era of globalization makes it easier for citizens throughout the world to carry out human trafficking considering that various information is easy to obtain. Human trafficking is usually carried out using fraudulent methods such as promises of something, for example marriage, work abroad with a large salary, and so on. So human trafficking is an important issue that needs to be discussed and addressed as best as possible so that citizens can obtain their rights as human beings with dignity. A nation can grow as a great nation if the people within it do not fall into criminal acts such as human trafficking which is a heinous crime to commit. Humans are not goods that can be bought and sold and can be exploited arbitrarily..

“We’re going to tie you to the chair”: the perception of perpetrators and the risk of violence in old age

This article analyses the experiences and perceptions of a sample of people over 60 about the most frequent type of violence in old age, the risk factors, the offenders and the reactions to abuse. A mixed study was carried out with the sequential application of 677 questionnaires and 45 interviews. The results show that older people are mainly victims of psychological abuse and financial exploitation; the type of abuse varies according to the type of aggressor; and that machismo, ageism, mental health problems, addictive behaviours and social isolation are risk factors for violence. Health and justice professionals are perceived as those to whom victims should turn and confide.

Successful Aging Through Financial Empowerment (SAFE): Financial Coaching with Older Adult Victims of Financial Exploitation

ABSTRACT Financial exploitation (FE) of older adults is a growing public health problem. Current estimates of financial exploitation show between 5% and 11% of older adults are victimized each year. This study examined an empowerment-centered financial coaching intervention. Program records and participant baseline and follow-up assessment data were used to detail program dynamics and investigate participant outcomes. Most SAFE participants were very satisfied or satisfied (91%) with the services they received. Participants also reported significantly less stress at the six-month follow-up. These findings demonstrate that empowerment-centered financial coaching interventions can successfully address FE in older adult populations.

La trata de personas y su implicancia con la función preventiva del delito en Ayacucho, Perú

The objective of this study is to understand human trafficking in its various forms and its relationship with the preventive function of crime in Ayacucho, Peru, during the year 2023. The methodology employed was descriptive and interpretive qualitative research, based on information collection through interviews conducted with 10 lawyers specialized in the subject. The results obtained indicate that, in Ayacucho, human trafficking occurs without distinction of gender or age. Victims can be both women and men, from different age groups. It is observed that adolescent girls are mainly subjected to sexual exploitation, while adult women and men are victims of labor exploitation, and children are forced into begging. In this context, it has been found that the effective implementation of the preventive function established in the Penal Code regarding the crime of human trafficking in Ayacucho is mostly limited to the theoretical-normative realm, lacking concrete pragmatic actions.

Slapstick in the Wayang Kulit Arena: Gender Domination Practices Lead to Symbolic Violence

<p>This paper aims to explain the phenomenon of <em>dagelan</em> dalang and sinden in Yogyakarta's shadow puppet <em>limbukan</em> scene. <em>Dagelan</em> in Wayang is a humor/joke show to entertain the audience, usually done by dalang with sinden. For some people, <em>dagelan</em> is commonplace because it is generally presented in <em>limbukan</em> scenes for entertainment. However, <em>dagelan</em> in the <em>limbukan</em> section is not just entertainment but causes symbolic exploitation of sinden by the puppeteer with his various practices. Of course, this phenomenon is very paradoxical; on the one hand, the existence of sinden is significant because it supports the success of the shadow puppet show last night, but on the other hand, sinden becomes a victim of ridicule/laughter in a helpless condition because it is dominated and controlled by the puppeteer. The audience and group members even confirmed this dominance. In <em>limbukan</em> scenes, a sinden follows the puppeteer's instructions to sing a song while standing up and dancing. In addition, sinden is also the object of entertainment and even mockery of the mastermind with verbal and nonverbal language that causes discomfort. This is symbolic violence because sinden is a victim of entertainment exploitation. The conclusion shows that the extended exploitation of the mastermind against the sinden in the <em>limbukan</em> scene occurred because of the position of the sinden in a weak place in the ownership of capital compared to the mastermind. Sinden, however, is a part of the domination by the mastermind. On the contrary, puppeteers have various capital to become the dominant class with dominance and power. This leads to symbolic violence by the mastermind against Sinden and can even lead to mental violence.</p>

Medicolegal assessment of human trafficking victims. Descriptive study of a series of forensic cases in Catalonia (Spain)

Background and objectiveHuman trafficking or contemporary slavery is the recruitment and transfer of people by force or deception for sexual, labour or other types of exploitation. Although the violence, abuse and deprivation that trafficking entails are a threat to the health of its victims, in Spain the clinical or forensic data available in this regard is scarce. At the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Catalonia (IMLCFC), a unit specialized in the forensic assessment of these victims was created. The objective of this work was to describe a series of forensic cases of trafficking victims. Materials and methodRetrospective study of victims in judicial cases opened for an alleged crime of human trafficking registered in the IMLCFC until 06/30/2023. Results57 different victims were registered. The majority were women (71.9%). The average age was 30.5 years (s.d. 10.31). All the victims were foreigners, mostly from Latin America (45.5%). The exploitation was mainly sexual (61.4%). There were some sociodemographic differences and in the conditions and consequences of trafficking between victims of sexual exploitation and the rest. Mental health problems were very common in all victims at the time of the assessment (87.5%). ConclusionsThe consequences of trafficking on health, especially mental health, are notable and the forensic assessment of victims is valuable in judicial proceedings. It is necessary to deepen our knowledge of the phenomenon in our environment.

A Qualitative Inquiry of Holocaust Survivors in the Face of Financial Exploitation

Objective Financial exploitation of older adults results in devastating emotional, health, and economic consequences for victims, their families, and society at large. Examining reactions of Holocaust survivors to financial exploitation can provide informative insights into the effects of re-traumatization in highly traumatized older adults. This study examined the personal experiences and meaning that Holocaust survivors attribute to being victims of financial exploitation, thereby assessing an underexplored issue: the effects of financial exploitation on previously traumatized older adults. Method Fifteen Israeli Holocaust survivors (10 females; 5 males) aged 79–92 (M = 84.66), participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed according to the phenomenological approach. Results Analysis yielded four themes. Negative emotional reactions toward financial exploitation included feelings of anger, hurt, shock, and helplessness. Coping mechanisms included adaptive (i.e. acting for the benefit of the self and offspring, helping others, alertness, and caution), and maladaptive (i.e. self-blame and rationalization) mechanisms. Positive life motto relates to participants perceiving themselves as vital and optimistic, grateful, helping the weak, and content with little. Protective and risk factors included family and community protection (versus living alone without resources), education (versus lack of), and taking preventive measures. Conclusions This study adds to the literature on the experience of revictimization among previously traumatized older adults, Holocaust survivors exposed to financial exploitation, by highlighting adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms alongside positive mottos in life, and victims’ perceptions of risk and protective factors. Overall, findings indicate that the participants were characterized by both resilience and vulnerability in the face of financial exploitation.

Migration, Human Trafficking, Sexploitation and Trauma in Amma Darko’s Beyond The Horizon

Human trafficking and sexploitation have become prevalent migration configurations in Africa that often plunges the victims into harrowing mental, emotional, and physical trauma. This paper aims at portraying African female immigrants’ experiences in Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon projecting the female migrant characters as victims of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and economic exploitation in the hands of their selfish and egoistic husbands. Given the complexities of the lives of African women who immigrate to Europe and get caught in a spider’s web of prostitution and pornography, the fictionalized German universe in the text reveals that Europe is not the “Eldorado” where milk and honey flows in abundance as perceived by most Africans. The paper’s analysis employs a feminist analytical framework to examine the objectification and commodification of the black female body. It submits that, despite their traumatic experiences, these African immigrant women assert their sexuality by challenging the status quo thereby obtaining for themselves an emancipated female agency that allows them to take control of their own bodies as well as their financial gains.

A Recuperation of the Oppressed and Subjugated Women in Arundhati Roy’s the God of Small Things

Postmodern Indian literature in English is a powerful expression of Indian women writers who have made significant contributions to the world of English fiction. The volume, diversity and maturity of the Indian novel have grown considerably. Famous writers like Kamala Markandaya, Nayantara Sahgal, Kamala Das, Arundhati Roy, Anita Desai, Shashi Deshpande and many others have given their creative outlet the enrichment of literature in recent decades by sensitively exposing various issues on the gender bias of women and society. In their creative writings, female characters either rebel against the subjugation of women and the oppressive role of family, society, religion and culture, including long-standing patriarchy, or they reinvent the feminine ethos. The God of Small Things Arundhati Roy's debut novel is a saga about the eternal suffering of women in a patriarchal society, who were oppressed and even deprived of their socio-political, economic identity and basic human rights. Roy excels at how women are victims of violence, exploitation, marginalization, suffering and exile. The novel deals with the suffering, struggle and transformation of three generations of women: Mammachi, Ammu and Rahel. This idea is the basis of this research, which tries to find out how painfully three generations of Women in the novel suffer.

Legislative guarantees of the prohibition and risks of involvement of Ukrainians in forced labour

The article analyses the legislative guarantees of the prohibition of forced labour, modern risks of occurrence and involvement of Ukrainians in martial law. International and national norms prohibiting the use of forced labour are revealed. Attention is focused on the fact that Ukraine is one of the states whose citizens suffer from this phenomenon the most in Europe. Researching the concept of "forced labour”, the authors note that it is absent in Ukrainian legislation, therefore, for a full understanding of this term, they use international practice. The article describes the main forms and manifestations of forced labour. The conditions of employment are defined, which are signs of danger for the employee and which should be paid attention to in the process of employment relations in order not to become a victim of labour exploitation. Political and socioeconomic factors that influence the increase in the number of cases of forced labour are analysed. In particular, political instability, a difficult economic situation, the inability of the state to guarantee a decent living standard, unemployment, labour migration, especially outside the state, the low level of legal culture of citizens, which is the reason for the poor awareness of Ukrainians with their rights and the principles of the prohibition of forced labour. The authors draw attention to the fact that under the conditions of martial law in Ukraine, the number of socially vulnerable sections of the population that suffered from military aggression and may be at risk of being involved in forced labour has increased. Statistics of criminal proceedings related to human trafficking for 2022­2023 are presented, as a significant part of the victims of this offense were subjected to forced labour. It is emphasized that in most countries of the world the phenomenon of imposing forced labour by the state has disappeared and such an activity is recognized as a criminal offense.

Access to Justice for Victims of Economic Exploitation

Access to Justice for Victims of Economic Exploitation

A Look at Human Trafficking and the Anti-Trafficking Apparatus in Mexico through the Experience of Victoria, a Trans Woman

In this article, we discuss the experience of Victoria, a trans woman who was trafficked in the context of the criminal war in Mexico. Drawing on anthropological and feminist perspectives that privilege the dialogue of knowledge, Victoria’s experience allows us to problematise two central elements of the phenomenon of human trafficking in Mexico: first, the relationship between organised crime groups and human trafficking, and its effects on daily life in local contexts in Mexico, specifically in the experience of a trans woman. And second, the functioning of the Mexican anti-trafficking apparatus which, by focusing on the rescue of victims of sexual exploitation in places where independent sex work occurs, overlooks the identification of other forms of trafficking, such as trafficking for labour exploitation and servitude, both experienced by Victoria at the hands of organised crime groups.

Emerging Victims in Contemporary Drugs Policing

Abstract Recent shifts in UK policy have seen certain populations, who were predominantly viewed as offenders due to their involvement in drug offences, increasingly recognized as victims of exploitation. Drawing on qualitative data from three studies, this article interrogates how this trend is playing out within contemporary drugs policing, focussing on officers’ responses to people affected by: drug addiction, child criminal exploitation and ‘cuckooing’. It examines the tensions that arise as these three categories of emergent drug victims conflict with officers’ normative expectations of victimhood, perceptions of their role as police and existing operational strategies. It also reveals officers’ attempts to (re)gain ontological security by policing the boundaries of victimhood and re-focussing on new categories of offender.

Peran United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) dalam Memberikan Perlindungan Hak Anak Sebagai Korban Perekrutan Tentara Bersenjata di Republik Demokratik Kongo

This legal research focuses on the issue of the extent of UNICEF’s role in protecting the rights of children who are victims of exploitation and abuse, on of which is that occur in conflict areas Republic Democratic of Congo. One of the phenomena that occurs is the recruitment of armed soldiers which occurs among children. This case of child soldiers that occurred in the Republic Democratic of Congo involved various armed Rally Constitutional Democratic (RCD) parties in fighting pro government parties and creating political grudges that could attract children in this country to take part in the conflict as child soldiers. This legal issue in this research discusses the role of UNICEF in providing protection for children recruited as armed soldiers in the Republic Democraic of Congo from the perspective of International Humanitarian Law. Research methods juridical normative with a descriptive approach to invitation regulations based on primary, secondary, and tertiary data sources. This results of this research show that children as victims of exploitation by armed soldiers have not received optimal treatment because UNICEF is experiencing obstacles in resolving children’s rights in the Republic Democratic of Congo.

Sexual exploitation of male youth: background characteristics and needs from a life-course perspective

IntroductionSexual exploitation is a human rights violation that has a detrimental impact on the psychological-, physical- and social well-being of victims. Sexually exploited male youth are prevalent, yet underrepresented in clinical practice, policy and research. There are multiple barriers that often prevent male youth to disclose and to seek or receive support, such as gender norms, limited awareness of victimization and feelings of guilt and shame.ObjectivesBy gaining more insight into the background and clinical characteristics of male victims and their care and support needs, this study aims to raise awareness and to better inform policymakers, care- and educational professionals on adequate prevention and intervention efforts.MethodsTwenty-six male youth at high-risk or victims of sexual exploitation participated in this qualitative study. By means of semi-structured interviews and case-file analyses, data was collected by to identify risk and protective factors in their life-course and care and support needs.ResultsResults indicate that several vulnerabilities (e.g. previous experiences of abuse and neglect, mental health problems, household dysfunction, social rejection, running away, substance use) and a lack of positive and supportive relationships led male youth into high-risk situations. Among these were involvement in pay dates, survival sex and criminality, which contributed to victimization. Experiences of stigmatization were often a barrier to express vulnerabilities and to disclose victimization. There was a wide variety in care and support needs, including peer-to-peer support, therapy, support with day-to-day practices and anonymous support.ConclusionsThese results will contribute to adequate prevention and intervention strategies and meet the unique needs of male youth at risk for, or victim of sexual exploitation.Disclosure of InterestG. Mercera Grant / Research support from: This research was funded by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (grant number: 328604)., S. Leijdesdorff: None Declared, E. Heynen: None Declared, T. van Amelsvoort: None Declared

Intersecting Struggles: Reveiling the Ecofeminist Undertones in Local FilmEncret (2019)

This study examines the Indonesian local film Encret (2019) through an ecofeminist lens, revealing the film's powerful critique of the power dynamics and structures that perpetuate environmental exploitation and gender inequality. Utilizing film analysis perspective, the paper analyses the narrative, mise en scène, and character actions to unveil the ecofeminist undertones present in the film. Drawing on Karen J. Warren's perspectives, the analysis explores how Encret (2019) challenges dominant power structures through awareness, critiquing patriarchy, and promoting empathy and solidarity. The study also highlights the film's visions of ecofeminist resistance and transformation, emphasizing interconnectedness, challenging traditional gender roles and hierarchies, and fostering empowerment through community action and solidarity. Based on the analysis of the film, it shows that the victims of environmental exploitation, especially in river pollution and sanitation, is a girl, who is the most vulnerable because she is considered to have the lowest hierarchy. The Encret provides a satire about a polluted river with bad sanitation wrapped in a comedic element, through its emotionally gripping narrative and striking visuals, Encret (2019) contributes to the ongoing struggle against environmental exploitation (polluted river) and gender inequality, inspiring viewers to question and challenge the systems that perpetuate environmental issues.

Legal Protection of Children as Victims of Sexual Exploitation

The government has accommodated children's rights in Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights which is an umbrella act for all forms of human rights protection in Indonesia, including children's rights. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in girls where girls are easily persuaded, is sold at a high selling value. Consumers assume that girls are cleaner from venereal diseases and not too many suffer from them. Children who are victims of CSEC are entitled to legal protection from law enforcement, the government and the state to ensure that children's rights remain unfulfilled. Normatively, the rights of CSEC victims are adequately protected by Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection (Articles 4-20). In this case, the protection of children's rights has acquired a stronger legal basis, because in more detail the rights and obligations of the child's executors have been regulated in such a way, including their criminal provisions. Children of CSEC victims receive special protection through Article 59 and Article 64 paragraph (3) of Law No. 23/2002. In addition to Article 5 of Law Number 13 of 2006 concerning the Protection of Witnesses and Victims