Human trafficking: "Neither the decrease in signals means fewer crimes, nor the increase means more"

The Human Trafficking Observatory, established in 2008, focuses on monitoring potential victims and providing training to various entities. Over the years, the profile of victims has shifted, with an increase in cases related to labor exploitation, particularly among nationals from third countries. Despite a reported decrease in identified cases recently, this does not necessarily indicate a reduction in trafficking incidents, as many cases remain unreported. The observatory emphasizes the importance of societal awareness and the need for better identification of victims. Portugal has a well-structured intervention system, but challenges remain in victim recognition and data collection.