A Qualitative Exploration of Sex Trafficking Myths in Israeli Newspaper Media

Media coverage often provides an incomplete or inaccurate picture of sex trafficking and its impact. This study explores how myths about sex trafficking are propagated in Israeli media and how newspapers construct this concept. A thematic analysis was conducted on 90 articles from the past decade. The findings reveal two themes: (a) forms of sex trafficking and (b) characteristics of key figures. Israeli newspaper coverage tends to conflate sex trafficking with prostitution, focus on salacious details, perpetuate sexist misunderstandings, and misrepresent common methods of trafficking. These myths lead to misunderstandings that hinder the ability to identify and respond effectively.