The trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Spanish digital newspaper: images beyond words

Abstract

 Introduction and objectives. This research addresses the visual representation of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in the main digital newspapers in Spain during the years 2019-2020 (finalized the Comprehensive Plan to Combat Trafficking in Women and Girls for Sexual Exploitation 2015-2018 of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality). Objective. To analyze the photographic treatment applied by Spanish digital newspapers on human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Methodology. It is based on a content analysis of the photographs published by the digital newspapers with the largest audience in the mentioned period, focusing on: general aspects of the news item where the photograph is located; descriptive aspects of the photograph; space of the representation; content aspects of the photograph; morphological elements and syntactic or compositional elements. Results. It should be noted that only 10.5% of the photographs show the men who demand prostitution and the pimps who profit and/or commit crimes through trafficking, focusing on the women as prostitutes or victims or on the State Security Forces. Likewise, the media continue to show stereotyped representations of the victims, sexualized through their pose or clothing. Conclusion. It can be affirmed that, despite the efforts made in this regard, the recommendations made by the entities are still far from being implemented and applied.