The Issue of sex trafficking in Europe
The trafficking of human beings involves both sexual and labour exploitation in conditions similar to slavery. The victims are subjected to violence, rape, battery and extreme cruelty as well as other types of pressure and coercion. The problem globally has been increasing over decades, and now it is estimated that over 700,000 women and children are being moved across international borders by trafficking rings each year. The causes of trafficking consist of unemployment, poverty and lack of education and lack of resources. Many women are forced into the trade because they are either kidnapped or sold by their families for small sums of money. Others however are tricked into coming thinking that they will be able to improve their living opportunities. Once taken by the traffickers, and exported into foreign countries, it is very hard to escape and very dangerous as they are striped of all documentation. The greatest concern at the moment is increase in women and children being trafficked from Central and Eastern Europe into the EU. The worsening of the economic situation in these countries has had a direct effect on the flow of trafficking in women. Estimates of up to 120,000 women and children being trafficked into Western Europe each year have been made. These countries have according to their own law enforcement officials become to certain degrees, countries of origin, transit and now destination to the trafficking trade. All member states are affected in one way or another by trafficking in women. More recently sex trafficking in women for the purpose of sexual exploitation had increased in parallel to the development of the sex industry. This topic involves action from many countries in helping external as well as starting internally.
