Appreciative Inquiry in the Anti-Trafficking System. Generating future-oriented Narratives to Counteract Victimhood

This study explores the potential of generative inquiry in the context of Italy’s anti-trafficking system, framed through a social constructionist perspective. The research involved four focus groups with professionals working in protected anti-trafficking communities. Guided by the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, the study shifts the focus toward identifying strengths, resources, and potentials, aiming to generate new meanings and possibilities in narratives of victimization. Through this approach, a circular relational process was facilitated, allowing participants to examine the strengths and resources of the anti-trafficking system, envision a future beyond victimhood, and identify concrete actions to bring this transformative vision to life. A thematic reflexive analysis of the collected data provided insights into how psychosocial research can foster innovative approaches to enhancing community care in post-trafficking settings.