Palma training targets sexual exploitation

A hundred professionals gathered in Palma, Mallorca, on Wednesday, 23 September to learn how to recognise sexual exploitation and human trafficking. The first event of its kind held by the Balearic Institute for Women (IBDona) focused on getting women to trained staff when they seek help.

Sandra Fernández, the regional minister for Families, Social Welfare and Dependency Care, opened the session. She said women facing exploitation or trafficking should find professionals at any support service who can identify the warning signs, stand by them and know what action to take.

Four talks and a round-table discussion examined trafficking for sexual exploitation and prostitution, including its impact on women. Speakers looked at ways to identify cases, intervene and provide support through a human-rights and gender-based approach.

The programme also covered the sex trade as a structural form of violence against women, trauma and psychological harm, prostitution involving women in Palma, and legal issues surrounding trafficking for sexual exploitation. Representatives from Cruz Roja, Médicos del Mundo, Casal Petit-Germanes Oblates, Hospital de Manacor and the Consell de Menorca joined the final discussion, which IBDona director Cati Salom closed.

Palma: 100 professionals learn to spot sexual exploitation