In this article we discuss the definition of human trafficking as showcased in the Brazilian Criminal Code and its relationships with the prohibition of prostitution. We use feminist epistemologies to demonstrate how such discursivity is organized around the notion of a passive, fragile female nature. There seems to be a consensus among people trained to combat human trafficking on the argument that one obstacle to their work is the victims' inability to see themselves as victims. We show that that is, at the same time, effect and reinforcement of the unfortunate Criminal Code definition of human trafficking.
human trafficking; prostitution; victimization; Brazil