This book deconstructs stories of human trafficking that dominate public discourse, revealing the political, social and cultural assumptions that underpin the central trafficking narrative and emphasising implications for policy-making.

Erin O'Brien is Senior Lecturer in the School of Justice, Faculty of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Dr O'Brien's current research examines political activism and policy making on irregular migration, labour exploitation, and sex work. She is the author of The Politics of Sex Trafficking, and co-editor of Crime, Justice, and Social Democracy.

1. Introduction: The Narrative Code, 2. Telling Trafficking Stories, 3. From Sex Slaves to Migrant Men, 4. Ideal and Invisible Victims, 5. Pimps, Johns, and Mobsters, 6. Heroic Consumers, 7. Everyday Activists and Action Heroes, 8. Government Heroes and Villains, 9. Conclusion: Narrative Evolution