This paper focuses on how objectification of women in prostitution in the context of the discussion of human trafficking with the general public can be counteracted by ontological humanization. Human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is based on dehumanization that stems from objectification. A subtle form of dehumanization may occur during the process of representing a person in prostitution, not only by pimps and clients, but also by the general public. It constitutes a hot topic in the public sphere, as demonstrated by the recent screenings in Rome of "Nefarious: Merchant of Souls", a full-length documentary that overcomes stereotypical dichotomist views on prostitution in the context of human trafficking. This paper features the possible transformation of social representations that might have taken place among the viewers as a result of watching and discussing the documentary. It proposes the construct of ontological humanization as a semantic-anthropological way to reduce dehumanization. Such humanization may occur as a result of interaction with a documentary that pursues a strong axiological involvement in the topic, promoting the abolitionist perspective on the relationship of this phenomenon with prostitution, seen as the exploitation of vulnerability. © 2017 The Authors.

Human trafficking dehumanization Social representations Objectification of women

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