Social scientist, Dr Xavier L’Hoiry from the University of Sheffield, in collaboration with researchers at Northumbria University and the University of Copenhagen, and South Yorkshire police, has developed an analytical tool which helps identify potential victims of human trafficking. The Sexual Trafficking Identification Matrix (STIM) assesses adverts posted online for specific risk factors, including the use of language and details in the advert, which suggest the people involved may be victims of human trafficking or sexual exploitation. STIM is proving to be a useful tool to help practitioners identify potential victims of exploitation and has been adopted by 16 police forces and two NGOs in the UK, as well as four police services internationally and the Danish Centre Against Human Trafficking in Denmark.
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