Rodríguez-López, Silvia2024-05-022024-05-022018Rodríguez-López, S. (2018). (De)Constructing Stereotypes: Media Representations, Social Perceptions, and Legal Responses to Human Trafficking. Journal of Human Trafficking, 4(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2018.14234472332-27052332-2713http://hdl.handle.net/2183/36393[Abstract]: The way the media portray human trafficking has a significant influence onthe construction of social perceptions and, consequently, on the develop-ment of a legal framework to fight this crime. Stereotypical ideas, based onthe existence of an“ideal victim,”which oversimplify the complexities ofhuman trafficking and leave potential victims unprotected, have alwaysbeen present in anti-trafficking laws. From the first conventions for thesuppression of the so-called“white slave trade”to the most recent legisla-tive changes, the treatment of trafficking has focused exclusively on pros-titution, migration, and organized crime. Only recently has this focus shiftedslightly toward a more comprehensive approach, centered on the protec-tion of victims. Through a critical analysis of the historical evolution ofinternational and European law, this article will illustrate the close interrela-tion between media, social awareness, and legal responses to humantrafficking.engCC BY-NC-NDhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/es/Criminal lawGenderHuman traffickingMediaSocial perceptionsjournal articleopen access10.1080/23322705.2018.1423447