Spanish Scientific Research Activity on Human Trafficking as Seen Through Bibliometric Indicators

This study analyzes the research on the trafficking of persons carried out by authors affiliated with Spanish institutions through a review of the scientific literature based on a bibliometric analysis of articles indexed in Scopus (2000–2022). The units of analysis were documents, sources, authors, keywords and terms of the abstracts. From each document were collected: authors, title of the document, year, journal, cited by, affiliations, authors by affiliations, abstract, authors’ keywords, references and language of the original document. The analysis was carried out through unidimensional bibliometric indicators related to scientific production, collaboration and dissemination, and multidimensional bibliometric indicators. The results show an increase in the production of articles, in co-authorship, and with research largely concentrated in the academic sphere and with little cooperation with foreign institutions. Secondary research using qualitative methods predominates. There is a focus on sexual exploitation centered on women as victims. This bibliometric review addresses UN Sustainability Goal 5.2: eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other forms of exploitation and has implications for practice, policy, and continued research.