This books critically explores media framing of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in UK, Dutch and Serbian media. It draws upon data from content analysis of online news reports and interviews with journalists and anti-trafficking professionals in order to further explore the framing of trafficking, its production and consequences. Through a combination of quantitative, qualitative and visual research methods, this book offers a comprehensive insight into the mediated representation of trafficking and addresses wider social and political implications of such portrayal.

The media play an important role in fighting trafficking that expands beyond awareness raising and prevention of the crime. Reporting by the press can help mobilise public support, influence policy, monitor institutional response to trafficking, deconstruct stereotypes and foster a supportive environment in which victims recover. Therefore this book is relevant not only for criminologists, media and communications scholars, but it is also a useful source for anti-trafficking and media professionals that can find the set of recommendations leading towards a more responsible reporting on trafficking in human beings.

Author's information

Dr Elena Krsmanovic is an assistant professor of criminology at the Faculty of Law, Governance and Economics of Utrecht University. With academic background in both communication studies and criminology, she specializes in cultural criminology with particular interest in mediated representation of crime. Prior to her career in academia, Krsmanovic has worked as a TV and radio journalist and a public relations manager in an anti-trafficking organization in Serbia.