European State and Non-State Stakeholder Views on Awareness of and Campaigns on Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)

Although it is recognised that prevention is one of the core aspects of a comprehensive anti-trafficking response, empirical research is limited. Prevention encompasses a number of actions and the emphasis in this article is on awareness levels and awareness raising initiatives. The study presents the perceptions of European State and non-State stakeholders. A qualitative method in the form of fifty-three semi-structured interviews was employed to capture these views. The interviewees include labour inspectors, trade unionists, law enforcement personnel, government officials and non-governmental organisation representatives. The findings are structured in three parts: awareness levels of professionals and wider society, awareness raising activities, and the role of the media in prevention efforts. The research shows that the understanding of trafficking in human beings, by both professionals and society at large, continues to be shaped by discussions focusing on sexual exploitation. It is argued that this enduring narrow interpretation of the offence means that other forms of exploitation, including labour exploitation, are not getting equal recognition. Thus, it may mean that certain victims are not receiving the support and assistance that they are entitled to, and that detection beyond trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation is limited. By enabling a more comprehensive approach to awareness campaigns, a more nuanced understanding should emerge and contribute towards the overarching aim of combating and eradicating this serious offence.