31 Dec Human Trafficking During Global Sporting Events Needs More Study

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Rebecca Finkel PhD
Queen Margaret University
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK and
Madelon Finkel, Ph.D.
Director Professor of Clinical Public Health
Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, NY

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Drs. Finkel: Human trafficking is as complex human rights and public health issue. One of the authors (RF) studied the issue at the Vancouver Olympic Games and felt that there needed to be more research on this topic. Much of the problem is that the issue of human trafficking for sexual exploitation at mega global sporting events is difficult to quantify given the clandestine nature of the industry. This is not to say that human trafficking for sexual exploitation does not occur. It almost certainly exists, but to what extent is the big question and to what extent do global events have an impact (if at all)? Our article shows that there are few well-designed empirical studies that address the issue of human trafficking, especially as it relates to mega sporting events.

The extant literature presents gaps in:
a) understanding the actual scope of the international human trafficking situation;
b) establishing links between human trafficking and mega sporting events despite anecdotal testimonies and moral panics often fueled by international media; and,
c) public health implications for victims of human trafficking.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Drs. Finkel: Findings show a high prevalence of physical and mental violence among those trafficked compared to non-trafficked women. Sexually transmitted infections and HIV AIDS are prevalent and preventive care is virtually non-existent. The Public Health implications are potentially substantial both for the victim and for her sexual partner.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Drs. Finkel: Human trafficking for sexual exploitation is a hidden problem on a global scale in plain view with tremendous public health implications. From a research perspective, it is recommended that a research agenda in this important area be devised with consistent, robust methodologies and approaches in order to collect reliable data in the areas of human trafficking, public health, and their intersection during times of mega sporting events. Due to difficulties quantifying the scope of human trafficking, it is suggested that qualitative and mixed methods should be employed. Although research could and should involve authorities, it also would be helpful if it were to go beyond official channels to study people involved in human trafficking prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships as well as survivors themselves in order more fully to comprehend a holistic view of the contemporary landscape of voluntary and involuntarily sex industries.

Citation:

The ‘dirty downside’ of global sporting events: focus on human trafficking for sexual exploitation

R. Finkel and  M.L. Finkel
Public Health
Available online 29 December 2014

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Last Updated on January 17, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD