Palma identifies 400 victims of sexual exploitation

Nearly 400 people in Palma, Mallorca, have been identified as victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Palma City Council, known as Cort, released the figures on 18 September 2026. It says the total is about 40% of people involved in prostitution in the city.

Among those identified, 98% are women and 2% are men. The council says 79% were recorded from signs of exploitation rather than formal complaints, as many victims do not report what has happened.

Its wider estimate puts the make-up at 92% women, 6% trans women and 2% men. Nearly two-thirds, 65%, are aged from 25 to 44, while the average age is 37.

Exploitation often takes place behind closed doors

Private homes are the main setting, accounting for 58% of cases. Another 20% involve street prostitution, 12% appointments involving travel, 5% clubs and 2% webcams.

More than half, 57%, live in the same place where they are exploited. Some 78% live in a rented room or a brothel; none of those identified owns a home. The council also says 80% have somebody who depends on them financially or for essential support.

Lourdes de la Cruz, a sociologist in the council’s equality unit, said recruiters exploit the vulnerability of foreign women arriving in Palma. Recruitment can involve force or deception, with debt, promises of a better life and false job offers used to control victims.

Online platforms make control harder to see

De la Cruz warned that pornography and adult-content platforms can create ideas among young people that some then seek to reproduce with people in prostitution. She said the internet, social media and digital services make recruitment, arranging contacts and offering services easier, while controls become less visible.

The council’s data also show that 55% of victims receiving support have experienced other violence, most often from a partner or family member. Cort has offered health care, accommodation and social support, legal and psychological help, plus training and employment assistance.

Equality councillor Lourdes Roca said support often starts before a complaint is made: with someone who listens, stays alongside the person and offers an alternative.

Topics: Culture · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com