Prostitution is changing. In Cagliari, the phenomenon has gradually shifted from the streets to private apartments and digital platforms, making it more difficult to identify and help victims. Valentina Sanna , operational coordinator for Elen Joy, the anti-trafficking project that runs a street unit operating primarily in the evenings and at night, with a team of social workers, educators, and cultural mediators, illustrated the evolution of prostitution in the city during a hearing before the council's Health and Wellbeing Committee.
The numbers reveal a significant transformation. In 2017, during the unit's outings, operators encountered an average of around 50 people; today, it's around 12. This drastic decline does not necessarily correspond to a reduction in prostitution, but rather reflects the transfer of part of the phenomenon to private locations, which are less accessible to operators and more difficult to monitor (although the situation in the Via dell'Agricoltura area, which is still very busy, remains problematic ). During the hearing, a change in the composition of the intercepted presences also emerged, with an increase in transgender people and those from South America, alongside a significant presence of people from Eastern Europe and Nigeria .
The Elen Joy project has been active since 2003 and was created to address the needs of street prostitution. Over time, it has expanded its activities to include not only women victims of sexual exploitation, but also men, transgender people, and those involved in forms of labor exploitation. Currently, approximately 40 people are being hosted in residential facilities , while the number of contacts in the community is much higher. The intervention includes healthcare and psychological assistance, social support, vocational training, job placement, and support towards independence. The path to escape exploitation, however, does not end with entry into a protected facility. People often face financial, health, housing, and family issues that require long-term support.
Francesca Pitzalis , coordinator of Elen Joy, emphasized the importance of collaborating with the Municipality even after admission, when it is essential to prevent previous vulnerabilities from compromising the emancipation process. Finding regular employment, housing, and a network of reliable relationships is an essential component of protection. Without concrete alternatives, the risk is that the escape from a situation of exploitation will remain fragile and difficult to maintain over time.
Sister Caterina Bua, project manager , emphasized during the hearing the value of continuity of interventions and the constant presence of staff. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of "continuity and seriality of relationships," which are essential for highlighting situations of exploitation and guiding people toward protection and autonomy. Because contact "does not necessarily lead to an immediate request for help," the nun stated, "those experiencing exploitation may take a long time to recognize the possibility of changing their lives, especially if they fear retaliation, consequences for their families, or the loss of the few resources they have. People involved in prostitution cannot be identified solely by their vulnerability," Sister Caterina concluded; "they must be able to be guided toward an independent life, through concrete tools and respect for their choices."
Commission Chair Rita Polo (Democratic Party ) emphasized the need to consider the fight against trafficking as a shared responsibility between public administration, services, associations, and citizens. Polo emphasized the value of third-sector organizations, which are able to develop direct and ongoing relationships with people who are difficult to reach through ordinary administrative channels. Institutions are responsible for supporting these organizations, strengthening collaboration between services, and ensuring that protection programs can continue even after the initial intervention phase.
A motion was therefore drafted to strengthen interventions for victims of trafficking and exploitation in Cagliari . The objectives indicated include consolidating and strengthening the anti-trafficking network, strengthening connections with municipal social services, and promoting concrete opportunities for social and employment inclusion. The discussion also reiterated the importance of placing individual dignity at the center, preventing victimhood from becoming a permanent label. The commission voted in favor. "I wholeheartedly support the document on women victims of trafficking," stated Roberto Mura of Alleanza Sardegna. "It is essential to recognize and value the extraordinary work of the Vincentian Sisters, who every day offer shelter, support, and new opportunities to women victims of violence and exploitation. Institutions have a duty to concretely support these organizations, because combating trafficking means restoring dignity, freedom, and a future to these women." The city council is now awaiting a vote.