Sexual Exploitation: Professionals’ and Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Prevention, Assistance, and Protection for Victims in Portugal

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Page 115: Please specify the year for the period "from April 18th to May 12th."

The manuscript addresses an interesting subject and presents compelling results. I believe it would benefit from a more cohesive analysis—specifically, a harmonization of the analysis aligned with the general conclusions of the discourse for each participant typology as defined in Table 2.

Author Response

Comments 1: Page 115: Please specify the year for the period “from April 18th to May 12th.”

Response 1: Thank you for your careful review. The year is already stated at the beginning of the sentence, providing the necessary clarity. Therefore, no changes were introduced in the manuscript.

 

Comments 2: The manuscript addresses an interesting subject and presents compelling results. I believe it would benefit from a more cohesive analysis—specifically, a harmonization of the analysis aligned with the general conclusions of the discourse for each participant typology as defined in Table 2.

Response 2: We appreciate the reviewer’s thoughtful feedback and recognition of the relevance of our study and its findings. We acknowledge the importance of a more cohesive analysis aligning with the overall conclusions for each participant typology presented in Table 2. However, due to the diversity and number of participants in our study, as well as time constraints, we have decided not to implement this suggested revision. Given the richness of the data, a more in-depth harmonization of the analysis would require an extensive restructuring that exceeds the scope of this manuscript. Nevertheless, we have ensured that our conclusions are well-grounded in the data presented and clearly articulated throughout the discussion section. Thank you again for your valuable insights.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

REVIEW Significant barriers to addressing sexual exploitation were reported, including underreporting, societal indifference, and the impact of new technologies.

 

To frame the issue, the author states, and I think accurately, "Sexual exploitation is a devastatingly pervasive issue that affects individuals and societies globally."

 

 

"Significant barriers to addressing sexual exploitation were reported, including underreporting, societal indifference, and the impact of new technologies."

 

The study was conducted in Portugal.  The author quotes, "In Portugal, 98% of all confirmed victims of THB for sexual exploitation are female."  I have no reason to challenge this assertion.

 

The author goes on to write, "The later impact of this phenomenon on victims is profound and multifaceted, affecting physical, psychological, and social dimensions."

 

The methodology for this study is sound enough, "In alignment with the study’s objectives, a qualitative research approach was selected, employing focus groups to delve into the multifaceted phenomenon of sexual exploitation."

 

The Data Analysis Strategy was based on solid scientific procedures.

 

The Results are clear and ugly, "The central tenet of sexual exploitation, as elucidated by participants, involves the coercion of individuals into engaging in sexual activities or providing services against their will in exchange for compensation."

 

The Results included, "In the absence of a specific legal framework in Portugal, the participants advocated for the use of international and national legal instruments to delineate the concept of sexual exploitation."

 

The Discussion provides some valuable and direct suggestions.

 

The References seem to be exhaustive, complete and current.

 

My reading of this study gives me hope and gives me new information in this important issue.  It is without reservation or hesitation that I recommend this study be published, as is.

 

Author Response

Comments 1: Significant barriers to addressing sexual exploitation were reported, including underreporting, societal indifference, and the impact of new technologies.

To frame the issue, the author states, and I think accurately, "Sexual exploitation is a devastatingly pervasive issue that affects individuals and societies globally."

"Significant barriers to addressing sexual exploitation were reported, including underreporting, societal indifference, and the impact of new technologies."

The study was conducted in Portugal. The author quotes, "In Portugal, 98% of all confirmed victims of THB for sexual exploitation are female." I have no reason to challenge this assertion.

The author goes on to write, "The later impact of this phenomenon on victims is profound and multifaceted, affecting physical, psychological, and social dimensions."

The methodology for this study is sound enough, "In alignment with the study’s objectives, a qualitative research approach was selected, employing focus groups to delve into the multifaceted phenomenon of sexual exploitation."

The Data Analysis Strategy was based on solid scientific procedures.

The Results are clear and ugly, "The central tenet of sexual exploitation, as elucidated by participants, involves the coercion of individuals into engaging in sexual activities or providing services against their will in exchange for compensation."

The Results included, "In the absence of a specific legal framework in Portugal, the participants advocated for the use of international and national legal instruments to delineate the concept of sexual exploitation."

The Discussion provides some valuable and direct suggestions.

The References seem to be exhaustive, complete and current.

My reading of this study gives me hope and gives me new information in this important issue. It is without reservation or hesitation that I recommend this study be published, as is.

Response 1: The reviewer provided a positive evaluation of the study, highlighting its methodological rigor, clarity of results, and the relevance of its contributions. No revisions were requested. As so, we sincerely appreciate the reviewer’s thoughtful and encouraging feedback. We are pleased that the study was found to be methodologically sound and that its contributions to the understanding of sexual exploitation were recognized. Your support for the publication of this work is truly valued. Thank you for your time and careful assessment.