O acesso das vítimas de tráfico de seres humanos a serviços de saúde

: perspetivas dos profissionais

Abstract

Human Trafficking is a phenomenon in which an increase in the number of reports of presumed victims has been observed (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2021). Consequently, there has been an increase in the demand for protection and assistance to victims (Observatório do Tráfico de Seres Humanos, 2020). This study aimed to understand the perspective of the professionals who have direct or indirect contact with victims of Human Trafficking regarding their access to health services. Through a qualitative methodology it was possible to conduct and analyse 17 semi-structured interviews with professionals. As achieved results, it was possible to understand that professionals recognise a positive evolution regarding the support provided by the Portuguese health services, including an improvement in the articulation with other entities and in the training and awareness-raising of health professionals. However, participants also identify the existence of gaps and needs in the functioning of the services, namely regarding the protection of victims' data in the National Health System and the delay, still present, in the response of some services. Additionally, professionals highlighted the lack of knowledge of victims, at the first contact, about their rights and the services they can have access.

Date of Award	13 Jul 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Mariana Barbosa (Supervisor) & Catarina Ribeiro (Co-Supervisor)