In the Valencian Community, authorities reported 12 victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation networks during 2021, according to the latest figures published by the Interior Ministry this week.
On the occasion of the International Day Against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Women, Girls and Boys, which will be observed next Friday, Pilar Barnabé, the Government delegate for the Community of Valencia, analyzed the data and noted that last year the Spanish Government took steps that were appropriate to address this new form of slavery.
Barnabé referenced the National Strategic Plan Against Trafficking and Exploitation in Human Beings for 2021-2023, highlighting its emphasis on victim protection.
Her statement stressed that the objective goes beyond simply fighting crime and focuses on guaranteeing protection for people who suffer serious human rights violations.
She also mentioned the Camino Plan, approved recently by the Cabinet, which seeks to offer alternatives and safeguard the rights of victims.
In addition, the representative spoke about Royal Decree Law 6/2022, enacted to address the economic and social consequences of the war in Ukraine. She noted that the Government has established protection mechanisms, such as the administrative accreditation of victim status, to mitigate the risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation involving displaced women, girls, and boys.
Regarding preventive actions related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, last year the State Security Forces and Corps conducted 158 inspections of prostitution venues in the Valencian Community. This figure rose compared with 2020 and returned to pre-pandemic levels after those disruptions.
During these inspections, a total of 31 people were arrested in the Valencian Community, including 24 for sexual trafficking offenses and 7 for sexual exploitation offenses.
The Government Delegation in the Community of Valencia organized a training session for professionals on Wednesday to encourage appropriate support for trafficking victims exploited sexually. The event, held from 09:00 to 13:00 at Valencia Port, featured the participation of the Minister of Justice, Gabriela Bravo, along with representatives from the Red Cross, the Association for the Prevention, Reintegration and Care of Prostitutes APRAM, and senior officials from the Civil Guard and the Valencia Institute for Gender-Based Violence Prevention. Attendees also contributed gifts for attendees and beneficiaries.
The Sub-Government Delegation hosted a roundtable on Thursday to discuss advances and ongoing challenges in combating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of women and children. The sub-delegate of the Government joined the event along with Modes Salazar, head of the Unit Against Violence Against Women; attorney Maria del Valle Galant; Civil Guard Lieutenant Javier Balsalobre; National Police Superintendent Jose Luis Tinoco; and Agustina Canales, director of the New Beginnings shelter, among others. The discussion focused on practical measures, interagency cooperation, and future priorities to safeguard vulnerable groups and improve protection systems.