Since December 2017 we have been implementing two of the main actions to be developed as part of PHIT project: interviews with THB survivors and focus groups with professionals and experts. The data collected within these two activities will be used to design improved intervention models that take into account the psychological state of the victims and facilitate their recovery process in time.

Interviews with survivors

All the NGOs participating to PHIT as partners are currently carrying out interviews with survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation. The interview is based on a questionnaire that has been specifically designed for the project, and framed by strict rules in terms of ethics, safety and data protection [1]60 women will take part to this action in Spain and in the Netherlands. By sharing with us their life story and experiences, they will help us broaden our knowledge of the psychological impact of THB for sexual exploitation. Thanks to the generosity of the participants, we are collecting highly valuable information that will serve as a basis for the next project activities.

We are also very grateful for the excellent work that the NGOs staff is completing in that activity, by conducting these intense in depth interviews. Their rigorous and professional work based on respect and caring behavior towards the participants is an essential asset for the future achievements of the project.

Creation of forums for exchange between professionals

In parallel, group interviews are being carried out in Spain and in the Netherlands with professionals and experts. Various key actors take part in that action and the diversity of their profiles enrich the discussion by highlighting distinct and complementary perspectives. Combining their ground experience on the reality of trafficking for sexual exploitation will allow us to obtain important knowledge to build better support programs and intervention models that are specifically designed for victims, and that take into account their actual needs.

Conclusions and results of both activities will be made available on the “Results” page as from September 2018.

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[1] See the Ethical and Safety Protocol and the Data Protection Protocol of the project on the Results page