Sex trafficking remains a significant human rights issue in Canada, affecting primarily women and girls. A recent scoping review titled "Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada: A Scoping Review of the Scholarly Literature" offers critical insights into the complexities of this issue. As practitioners, understanding these complexities is crucial for providing effective support to victim/survivors and contributing to improved anti-trafficking responses.
Key Findings from the Research
The review highlights several challenges in conceptualizing sex trafficking, particularly around issues of coercion and consent. It underscores the importance of recognizing the pathways into trafficking, which often involve economic displacement, past abuse, and broken family ties. These factors disproportionately affect Indigenous, immigrant/migrant, and other marginalized women and girls.
Challenges in Conceptualization
The research identifies a significant challenge in defining sex trafficking due to varying interpretations of coercion and consent. This lack of consensus complicates efforts to develop data-driven policies and protocols. Practitioners must be aware of these nuances to effectively identify and support victim/survivors.
Pathways into Trafficking
The review reveals that pathways into sex trafficking are often linked to systemic inequalities. Economic vulnerabilities, historical trauma among Indigenous communities, and immigration challenges are significant factors. Understanding these pathways is essential for practitioners aiming to prevent trafficking and provide targeted support.
Gaps in Anti-Trafficking Responses
The research highlights gaps in existing anti-trafficking responses, such as narrow or conflicting definitions and a lack of accessible services. These gaps are exacerbated by the stigmatization and criminalization of sex work. Practitioners can play a vital role in advocating for more inclusive policies that address these barriers.
Implications for Practitioners
- Enhance Understanding: Practitioners should deepen their understanding of the coercion-consent continuum to better identify victim/survivors.
- Advocate for Inclusive Policies: Engage in advocacy efforts to promote policies that recognize diverse experiences of trafficking beyond narrow legal definitions.
- Support Marginalized Groups: Focus on providing culturally appropriate services for Indigenous women and girls, as well as immigrant/migrant communities.
- Collaborate Across Sectors: Work with law enforcement, social services, and community organizations to create a more cohesive anti-trafficking response.
The Need for Further Research
The review emphasizes the need for more empirical studies that highlight the voices of survivors and evaluate Canadian anti-trafficking interventions' strengths and limitations. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with ongoing research efforts or initiate studies within their communities to contribute valuable insights into this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Sex Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada: A Scoping Review of the Scholarly Literature
