This article provides a critical analysis of the transposition and the implementation in Spain of different elements of the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive, focusing on the protection and promotion of victims’ rights. The authors explain how gender stereotyping creates obstacles in the identification of victims, as well as in the realization of other state obligations under the Directive such as the special protection required for child victims of trafficking. The authors offer information based on qualitative data from their experience investigating and litigating in the field that demonstrates the need for Spain to improve its mechanisms of enforcement from a gender perspective of the non-punishment principle, data collection, and the application of international protection, amongst others. The article concludes that both the transposition of the Directive itself and the implementation of the provisions on victims’ rights are inadequate in providing effective protection from a human rights and gendered approach.