g) Media

The media are essential in the functioning of contemporary societies. In the digital society of the 21st century, information circulates quickly and continuously.

The media has a major role to play, especially in the fight against trafficking. Several have already taken up the subject, such as: ARTE, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, Le Monde, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Süd-West DeutscherRundfunk (SWR), Deutsche Welle.

When they broadcast content, they inform the public on many current issues and participate in their awareness and education. They are able to alert the general public to existing criminal phenomena so as to prevent them happening in the future (e.g. educating children about the presence of traffickers on social networks). Social networks are now an integral part of this mode of information, especially for a younger audience.

Considering the power of the media, it seems essential that they ensure that they disseminate fair and correct information. As well as making sure not to encourage stereotypes and prejudices about victims and survivors of human trafficking.

These confusions can have serious consequences on their rehabilitation and reintegration, which are already difficult given the traumas suffered in the context of trafficking: this is the secondary victimization. This concept is defined by the Council of Europe in Recommendation Rec (2006) 8 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on assistance to crime victims as “victimization that results not directly from the criminal act, but from the response provided to the victim by institutions and individuals.” Along with the various professionals in contact with victims (see Part III/B) c) 4.), the media has a very important role to play in limiting these risks.