Search Results (99)

Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, frequently intersects with financial crimes, notably identity theft and coercive debt accumulation. This creates complex challenges for victims, survivors, and law enforcement. Victims of human trafficking are often coerced and/or threatened into committing various forms of crime, referred to as “forced criminality.” In recent years, this trend of criminality has moved from violent crimes to financial crimes and fraud, including identity theft, synthetic identity fraud, and serving as money mules. This phenomenon, termed “forced fraud”, exacerbates the already severe trauma experienced by victims (referred to as both victims and survivors throughout, consistent with trauma-informed terminology) trapping them in a cycle of financial instability and legal complications. Traffickers often coerce their victims into opening credit lines, taking out loans, or committing fraud all in their own names, leading to ruined credit histories and insurmountable debt. These financial burdens make it extremely difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives post-trafficking. This paper explores the mechanisms of forced fraud, its impact on survivors, and the necessary legislative and financial interventions to support survivors. By examining first-hand accounts and social and policy efforts from a range of sources, this paper highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address both the immediate and long-term financial repercussions of human trafficking. Full article

While studies consistently show that the popular media often provide medicalized images of disabled people as “other” or inferior, dynamic societal changes, such as the diffusion of human rights laws, increasing public awareness, and the mediatization of disability activism, also influence media representations. The present research aims to identify relevant discursive practices in Hungarian online news media, a non-Western European country with about 50 years of a state party system under communism, and offer insight into how progressive policy changes and mediatized activism shape media features on disability. To establish the dataset, the most visited and independent online news media portal in Hungary (24.hu) was searched for articles discussing disability between 2019 and 2022. The 481 relevant articles extracted were analyzed using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) with the help of MAXQDA 2020. The findings reveal a multiplicity of disability representations: medicalized and victimized images on the one hand, and reports of resilience and “heroism” on the other. Three distinct discursive practices are identified: (1) traditional/ableist representations, (2) alternative representations with ableist framing, and (3) agency and the co-creation of disability representations. Results suggest that even 30 years after the political changes, disabled people’s collective agency is marginal in Hungary, and that socio-legal changes and mediatized disability activism are yet to influence news media features. Full article

This research is driven by the expansion and popularity of the Manosphere network in the last decade, causing online and offline harassment of women. The study examines the phenomenon of the Manosphere in the Greek digital space and, more specifically, it researches the case of the popular, anonymous, and public accessed Facebook page of “Όχι, Δεν Είσαι Μισογύνης” (No, you are not a misogynist). The study’s research questions are whether the Greek Manosphere follows the same patterns of the international Manosphere groups and how gendered identities and roles are represented in its discourse. In order to answer the research questions, the study combines the method of thematic analysis and the approach of critical discourse analysis. The “Όχι, Δεν Είσαι Μισογύνης” (OΔΕΜ) page is found to be a case of the Men’s Rights Activists subculture of the Manosphere, with the main topic of interest being the online activism against feminism. Although the Facebook page reproduces traditional gender stereotypes and representations, a crucial difference from “classic” patriarchal perceptions is that the OΔΕΜ discourse portrays women as privileged, socially dominant and violent, while men are depicted as victims, discriminated by women and the social system. This inversion of reality is executed by the misinterpretation and falsification of data, along with the appropriation of activist and feminist discourse, which could lead to latent, or overt, misogynist perception and stereotypes (re)gaining popularity. Full article

Human trafficking for forced labour or sexual exploitation often takes the form of forced migration. It is the third-largest crime industry in the world and has severe consequences on the women survivors. Trafficking violates the safety, welfare, and human rights of the victims and forces physical and psychological imprisonment on them. Despite the significant number of women being trafficked, little is known about the best ways to address their needs. This article highlights the understanding developed by social service providers in South Africa regarding the consequences of human trafficking on women survivors. Being aware of the complex challenges faced by women survivors of human trafficking enables social service providers to respond to their needs effectively through appropriate interventions and services. Data for this qualitative study were collected through one-on-one interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Social service providers understand the following to be related to women survivors of trafficking: involvement in drugs and sex work, dependency on the perpetrator, lack of self-esteem, self-blame and shame, being disoriented, psychological challenges, lack of financial support, health issues, isolation, and loneliness. To be relevant and effective, services should be packaged in a manner that addresses all the challenges faced by women survivors of human trafficking. Full article

Around 2–8% of children and adolescents in developed societies are young carers, who provide care for ill, disabled, or addicted family members. This paper investigates the vulnerability and multidimensional injustices faced by young carers, drawing on empirical studies—both qualitative and quantitative—and social theory to reveal how young carers navigate their roles within the broader context of social inequality, highlighting the social structures and mechanisms that contribute to their marginalization and the detrimental consequences for their social inclusion, well-being, and personal development. The methodology of this article is a narrative analysis of relevant empirical research on young carers, combined with an analysis of this literature through a normative framework of social justice, which examines four dimensions of justice in order to highlight the vulnerability of young carers. (1) Firstly, young carers are often pushed into their situation because of economic and social constraints, which do not allow the family to find a different solution. Economic inequalities lead to and enforce caring obligations and have a cumulative negative effect on the young carer. Limited resources can be problematic for social inclusion, and when combined with caring obligations, they are corrosive. (2) Secondly, young carers are often victims of moral blackmail, which is that they are trapped in a situation where it would be morally wrong for them to act otherwise. Such moral blackmail can be carried out by those who are cared for, by the family and relatives or even by society, which could, but does not provide alternatives to young carers. (3) Thirdly, young carers are often manipulated to accept their caring obligations through distorted social norms and practices. Other than in the case of moral blackmail, such young carers do not care because they want to do the morally right thing and do have no alternatives available, but because they internalized that it would be normal for them to do so. Two concepts are useful to capture this aspect: adaptive preferences and indoctrination. (4) Fourthly, young people caring is often a form of exploitation, in that it takes unfair advantage of the young carer by receiving something from them, without giving an equivalent in return (and harming them in the process). Full article

In Mexico, pervasive violence, forced disappearances, and homicides have deeply impacted certain groups, particularly journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, who are at high risk of victimization. While these groups receive state support for physical and legal safety, mental health and sleep-focused interventions remain insufficient. Collaborating with a Mexico City-based institution supporting human rights defenders and journalists, we conducted a psychometric assessment of 47 individuals affected by violence. Results showed that 80% exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, 25.5% showed depression, and 57.4% displayed anxiety; 95.7% reported poor sleep quality based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. In a second phase, neuropsychological tests and polysomnographic recordings identified cognitive impairments in attention, memory, and decision-making in some participants, along with sleep disorders such as insomnia, primary snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and bruxism. A third phase introduced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia, nightmares, and circadian rhythm issues. Results showed improvements in sleep quality, total sleep time, and a reduction in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. This approach suggests that treating sleep issues in high-risk populations can improve mental health. Full article

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major cause of mortality among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to identify risk factors for CAD-related SCD (SCD_CAD) through autopsy data and genetic screening with a particular emphasis on rare variants (minor allele frequency < 0.01). We included 241 SCD_CAD cases (mean age 54.6 ± 12.8 years, 74.7% male) verified by medico-legal examination and 241 silent CAD controls (mean age 53.6 ± 15.2 years, 25.3% female) who died from severe craniocerebral trauma. Information about death characteristics was obtained from questionnaires, police reports and autopsy data. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on myocardial tissue samples. Polygenic risk score (PRS) from a previously validated model was applied and rare variant pathogenicity was predicted using in silico tools. SCD_CAD victims predominantly died at night and showed higher mortality rates during summer and winter months, with more complex coronary disease. Nocturnal time (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.37–5.25, p < 0.001), winter (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.33–3.20, p = 0.001), multiple vessel occlusion (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16–2.77, p = 0.009), right coronary artery stenosis (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.54–3.68, p < 0.001) and unstable plaque (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.46–3.23, p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors of SCD_CAD. The PRS score was associated with a 60% increased risk of SCD_CAD (OR = 1.632 per SD, 95%CI: 1.631–1.633, p < 0.001). Genetic analysis identified MUC19 and CGN as being associated with SCD_CAD. We identified both hereditary and acquired risk factors that may contribute to cardiac dysfunction and precipitate SCD in CAD patients, thereby facilitating the prevention and early recognition of high-risk individuals. Full article

Elder abuse is an increasingly significant public health and human rights issue in aging and long-lived societies. Despite existing intervention strategies, the lack of emergency housing tailored to older victims of abuse remains a critical gap. This study explores professionals’ perceptions of elder abuse, response measures, and challenges in addressing abuse, with a focus on rural regions. A survey was conducted among 100 first responders—social workers and police officers—who intervene in cases of elder abuse. Results indicate significant differences in perceptions of elder abuse severity, with social workers consistently rating all forms of elder abuse as more severe compared to police officers. Both groups highlighted the necessity of multidisciplinary teams, crisis centers, and safe houses as essential responses but recognized a lack of specialized infrastructure and resources as a significant challenge. Respondents emphasized that victims’ reluctance to report abuse due to family dynamics, shame, and isolation further complicates intervention efforts. Good practices identified interinstitutional collaboration, building victim trust, and proactive interventions. The findings underscore the need for age-appropriate safe spaces, improved professional training, and enhanced community awareness to address elder abuse effectively. Full article

Detecting audio deepfakes is crucial to ensure authenticity and security, especially in contexts where audio veracity can have critical implications, such as in the legal, security or human rights domains. Various elements, such as complex acoustic backgrounds, enhance the realism of deepfakes; however, their effect on the processes of creation and detection of deepfakes remains under-explored. This study systematically analyses how factors such as the acoustic environment, user type and signal-to-noise ratio influence the quality and detectability of deepfakes. For this study, we use the WELIVE dataset, which contains audio recordings of 14 female victims of gender-based violence in real and uncontrolled environments. The results indicate that the complexity of the acoustic scene affects both the generation and detection of deepfakes: classifiers, particularly the linear SVM, are more effective in complex acoustic environments, suggesting that simpler acoustic environments may facilitate the generation of more realistic deepfakes and, in turn, make it more difficult for classifiers to detect them. These findings underscore the need to develop adaptive models capable of handling diverse acoustic environments, thus improving detection reliability in dynamic and real-world contexts. Full article

Introduction: Child trafficking is a clear violation of human rights, robbing minors of their fundamental entitlements. These encompass the right to personal identity, familial bonds, cultural heritage, access to healthcare and proper nourishment, education, freedom of speech, and the assurance of safety and security. Children and young people, given their inherent vulnerability and limited access to support networks, frequently struggle to safeguard themselves effectively. This predicament presents traffickers with opportunities to exploit and manipulate them. Therefore, it is essential for professionals across various sectors—including education, healthcare, protective and social services, as well as the justice system—to undergo comprehensive training and be integrated into a robust social protection system. This preparation should equip them to conduct screenings, accurately assess needs, and adhere to international guidelines when addressing cases of child trafficking. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the child-centered anti-trafficking approaches employed by Italy and Turkey, situated along migration pathways in the Mediterranean region and experiencing significant regular and irregular migration flows in recent years. Both nations fall within the classification of southern European welfare regimes. Methodology: This research specifically delves into the social protection policies aimed at children and young victims established by these two countries. Carried out between 1 February 2020 and 20 May 2021, this study employed a semi-structured interview approach, conducting qualitative in-depth interviews in both Italy and Turkey. This research targeted experts from various disciplines engaged in combating human trafficking in both countries, with a total sample size of 46 participants, comprising 15 experts from Italy and 31 from Turkey. Grounded theory formed the basis of the study, with data analyzed using the MAXQDA 2020 Pro Analytics program, employing a multidisciplinary and empowerment approach. Results: The analysis yielded 2942 codes, 17 sub-themes, and four main themes. The study identified four main themes: (i) characteristics of child victims and vulnerable child groups, (ii) services provided to at-risk groups and child trafficking victims within the current national counter-trafficking framework, (iii) challenges encountered in delivering services to children and young individuals, and (iv) recommendations for establishing an effective and child-centered protection system. Discussion and Conclusion: It is imperative to ensure that victims of child trafficking have access to comprehensive social protection measures. It has been noted that both Italy and Turkey offer various services to victims of child trafficking, including in-kind and -cash social assistance, free legal aid, shelter services, access to education and healthcare, as well as prevention, awareness, and advocacy programs. However, there are also differences between the two countries in certain aspects. Recommendations aimed at addressing these differences can be developed by adhering to the minimum standards outlined in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the diagnostic pathway proposed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for identifying the underlying aetiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) through the screening of first-degree family members of patients with SCD who either had a negative autopsy or no autopsy performed. Methods: To be eligible for enrolment, patients had to meet the following inclusion criteria: a family history of SCD in a first-degree relative under the age of 50 years; the SCD decedents must not have undergone an autopsy, or if an autopsy was performed, non-cardiac and structural cardiac causes must have been excluded. Patients underwent a comprehensive assessment, including the evaluation of family and medical history, electrocardiography (ECG) and ECG with high precordial leads, Holter ECG monitoring, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and exercise stress testing. A sodium channel blocker test (i.e., flecainide test) was performed when other clinical investigations were negative and the suspicion of Brugada syndrome was high. Results: Forty-one patients from 25 different families fulfilled the inclusion criteria and represented the final study cohort. After the comprehensive diagnostic work-up, a total of seven patients from five different families (5/25, 20%) were diagnosed with an inherited cardiac condition: two families with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, one with dilated cardiomyopathy, one with non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy, and one with long QT syndrome. Conclusions: The comprehensive cardiologic work-up of relatives of mainly young SCD victims results in the diagnosis of inherited cardiac conditions in one-fifth of cases. Full article

This article employs a Christological lens, deeply informed by Bernard J. F. Lonergan’s theology of history and soteriology, to discern the conditions necessary for all-inclusive solidarity. It highlights the twofold kenotic aspect of solidarity, addressing a gap in mainstream theological discourses that often emphasize ‘particular’ solidarity with those in need while neglecting its ‘universal’ (all-inclusive) dimension. Affirming ‘universal’ solidarity necessitates guarding against a misleading notion of neutrality and against totalization, as well as resisting a truncated understanding of intersubjectivity that is prone to group bias. After laying the foundations for understanding solidarity in light of its secular origins and Christian theological context, the article concludes that redemptive solidarity cannot exist without a christomorphic kenosis, which encompasses two incommensurable dimensions: solidarity with victims and solidarity with victimizers as potential converts (that is, as capable of metanoia). In the pursuit of transforming evil into good in history, kenotic solidarity requires prioritizing the common good over personal advantage, even to the extent of refusing to exploit what is (or seems to be) rightfully one’s own—whether privilege, possessions, or the right to strict retribution— just as Christ did when he did not exploit his equality with God to his own advantage (Phil 2:6). Full article

Defense wounds generally occur when a victim attempts to protect vital organs and blood vessels during an assault, and are therefore typically located on the forearms or hands. Gunshot-induced defense wounds are less frequent compared to stab wounds, which have been extensively described in the literature. We present three cases where victims unsuccessfully attempted to defend themselves from gunshots, and where the detailed description of injuries played a key role in the reconstruction of the crime scenes. In the first case, a man was shot with a smooth-bore shotgun, presenting a “through-and-through” gunshot wound on the lateral surface of the left forearm and a large gaping wound on the posterior surface of the same forearm. The second and third cases involved two men who were shot with handguns. The first displayed an entrance wound on the dorsal surface of the right hand, with burned edges and smoke soiling, and an exit wound on the palmar surface. The second case involved two wounds on the left hand: one on the dorsum and the other on the palm. To the best of our knowledge, few studies in the literature emphasize the role of gunshot defense wounds in aiding the reconstruction of crime dynamics. The cases presented in this study highlight the importance of precisely defining the pathological and morphological features of the wounds, as well as the bullet trajectories, to accurately identify defense wounds. These findings are valuable for reconstructing the dynamics of the assault and providing critical information to the public prosecutor. Full article

Human trafficking continues to be a profitable multi-billion dollar business. People are either callous toward human rights or they are unaware of the crime occurring. Many businesses may unknowingly facilitate human trafficking by providing services, such as transportation, hotels, or haircuts, or purchasing products from unfamiliar sources that secretly use forced labor. To be socially responsible, a business must establish effective enterprise governance policies that help prevent and detect trafficking. A business can incur legal fines, damage to its reputation, incur lost business, and be subject to litigation, all as a result of human trafficking. Worldwide, estimates are that 50 million people are being trafficked. Human trafficking is especially harmful to females, both adult women and girls, who comprise about 70 percent of all trafficking victims. Gender theory helps explain this disproportionate impact on women. This study provides an overview of human trafficking, an empirical analysis of the relationship of gender inequality to trafficking, and specific steps that a business can take to help prevent this crime, protect its reputation, and avoid fines and lost business. Full article

This article examines a distinctive and debated social group called the “Baboos” in late colonial India, particularly in Bengal. The Baboos represented the Western-educated, aspiring middle class who were integral to the British administration. They were often viewed skeptically for adopting the English language and Western lifestyle. This study delves into the quotidian lives of the Baboos, particularly their interactions with the colonial rulers in public transport, which became a crucial contact zone. Despite facing racial conflicts and discrimination in these shared spaces, the Baboos were not passive victims. They used diverse strategies to combat injustices and voice their grievances publicly. Within this larger narrative of discriminating treatment, another power narrative was played out by the Baboos among their own population. Conscious of their distinct functional status, the Baboos sought to distance themselves from those Indians who did not match their ideas of “respect”. Everyday experiences formed the basis of the public outrage reflected continually in regional newspapers and, subsequently, in the larger narratives of resistance and nationalism. How the Baboos negotiated their position in the public spaces sheds light on their claims of civil rights and their ways of using the colonizer’s tropes of equality, justice, and fairness back at them. Full article