Emmanuel Inyanza

Women Sex Trafficking Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Women Sex Trafficking Vulnerable and powerless members of the society, especially women and children, are at higher risks of human rights abuse. In a culture where poverty drives most individuals to engage in various vices, the vulnerable are the most affected. Women, in particular, suffer the most human rights abuses. One most common and global issue affecting women is sex trafficking. This issue is among the present-day forms of slavery in which people are coerced, unsuspectingly lured or drawn into commercial sexual acts. In most cases, the victims are used as slaves, not benefiting at all from the action. Those involved in trafficking are the primary beneficiaries. Sex trafficking is one topic that drew a lot of attention from our classwork due to the popularity of the vice and its global nature. Even though sex trafficking can affect anybody, male, female and teen-agers, women are the ones who suffer the most. Facts on Sex Trafficking Sex trafficking is a worldwide vice, ranked third after drug peddling and illegal arms trafficking (Nielsen). Most of the victims are drawn from vulnerable and weak communities. While sex trafficking involves both genders, women make up the higher percentage of the victims globally. To ensure compliance, sex trafficking victims are usually under threats from the traffickers (Nielsen). Close to eight hundred thousand human beings are trafficked annually across the globe; out of this figure, women make up four-fifths (Phillips 319). On the global scene, both India and Cambodia have recorded the highest number of sex trafficking cases (Barnes 48). Factors Contributing to Sex Trafficking Several factors contribute to sex trafficking among women. Some of these factors include the following; poverty, illiteracy, gender-based violence, as well as the presence of military men in various countries (Freedman 123). Poverty is one of the significant contributors to sex trafficking, not only among women but also among men and children (Phillips 319). Women from third world countries where poverty levels are very high are placed at higher risks of sex trafficking (Freedman 123). Most of the victims are lured with job offers abroad or other lucrative deals which promise to end poverty. The prospects of getting rich lure these women into the trap; they are then taken to various destinations where they cannot free themselves; the only option is to follow orders from their masters (Freedman 127). Illiteracy also contributes to sex trafficking among women. Most women, mainly from societies in developing countries, do not get access to primary education (Grease, Lara and Andrea). They are illiterate with most not even knowing their fundamental rights. They cannot understand basic ideas hence being used at the masters’ wish. Sex traffickers take advantage of the illiteracy levels among women to lure them with deals and subsequently traffic them. Gender-based violence contributes to sex trafficking among women. In some societies, women are regarded as sex objects and with no rights or freedoms (Grease, Lara and Andrea). They are subjected to various acts of gender-based violence, including sex trafficking. Women in such societies have no one or no law to protect them. Military men sent out on peacekeeping missions also contribute to sex trafficking. In some situations, these military men lure young girls and vulnerable women into sexual acts, sometimes against the victims’ will (Grease, Lara and Andrea). Support to Sex Trafficking Survivors Sex trafficking victims require support. In unfortunate incidences, some of the victims die. On the other hand, some of the victims survive, either through running away or being rescued. However, the survivors are affected, both physically and psychologically (Bryant-Davis e al 75). Additionally, relatives of sex trafficking victims require psychological support. Governments, religious organizations, as well as human rights groups, are called upon to offer support to all those directly and indirectly affected by human trafficking (Nielsen). Sex trafficking victims suffer from physical abuse. Various human rights organizations need to set up specialized health centres for the victims (Phillips 321). The victims need individual assessment, treatment and monitoring before being allowed to join their families and loved ones (Bryant-Davis e al 75). Additionally, organizations need to set up psychological support centres for sex trafficking survivors and their relatives; this is important in helping them overcome the bad experience and restart healthy and productive lives. Preventing Sex Trafficking Enacting and upholding laws on human rights can help prevent cases of sex trafficking. Such legislation should provide strict measures that promote and protect human rights as well as spelling out severe punishments to the culprits. Societies which hold women with low regard should be taught the importance of gender equality (Phillips 319). Creating awareness on the issue of women sex trafficking can also go a long way in combating this vice. Countries, especially those classified as the third world, should be taught on how to prevent this problem; this is because women in developing are placed at higher risks of sex trafficking. Conclusion Sex trafficking is a worldwide subject, ranked third after illegal arms trade and drug peddling. Women are the most susceptible when it comes to sex trafficking. Some of the elements contributing to sex trafficking include the following; poverty, illiteracy, gender-based violence, as well as the presence of military men in various countries. Sex trafficking survivors can be helped by offering medical and psychological support. Having strict human rights laws and creating global awareness of sex trafficking can help prevent the vice. Works Cited Barnes, Leslie. "Exposed: The Scandalous Story of Sex Work in Cambodia." Contemporary French and Francophone Studies 22.1 (2018): 40-48. Bryant-Davis, Thema, Tyonna Adams, and Anthea Gray. "Women, Sex Trafficking, and the Justice System." Gender, Psychology, and Justice: The Mental Health of Women and Girls in the Legal System 6 (2017): 75. Freedman, Jane. "Selling sex: Trafficking, prostitution and sex work amongst migrant women in Europe." Gender and Insecurity. Routledge,-. Gerassi, Lara B., and Andrea J. Nichols. Sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation: Prevention, advocacy, and trauma-informed practice. Springer Publishing Company, 2017. Nielsen, Rachel K. "Domestic Sex Trafficking and Prostitution: Implications of Stigmatization." (2018). Phillips, Joan. "Migrant sex work or sex trafficking? Reflections on “trafficking in women”: A Caribbean post-colonial perspective." Caribbean Crime and Criminal Justice. Routledge,-.