The issue of human trafficking, especially among young women and children, with the intention of sexual exploitation, has grown rapidly over the past decade. One of the major trends of this is due to the increasing involvement of organized crime who exploit individuals in developing countries (Betti, 2003). Trafficking is now considered the third largest source of profits for organized crime, aside from drugs and guns, which also generate billions of dollars annually. Most individuals come from several parts of Asia.
Human trafficking thus leads to several issues in women’s health. Effects can include chronic, permanent, or even life threatening health consequences. A trafficked and sexually abused individual will find it incredibly challenging to achieve the highest possible level of physical, mental, and social well-being (Pan American Health Organization, 2001). Physical injuries often occur, but even more life threatening are the mental effects that are left behind with a sexually trafficked victim. Long term psychiatric consequences may occur in the form of depression, self-mutilating behavior, personality disorders, etc. Also, sexually abused women can potentially result in a higher amount of diagnosed sexually transmitted infections. Lack of appropriate and available access to health care is also notable a prime concern. Usage of drugs and alcohol has been suggested to play a vital role as a coping mechanism in several instances, resulting in addiction (Pan American Health Organization, 2001). Due to extremely restricted access to proper healthcare, due to locational circumstances, complications of untreated infections can arise.
Human trafficking thus leads to several issues in women’s health. Effects can include chronic, permanent, or even life threatening health consequences. A trafficked and sexually abused individual will find it incredibly challenging to achieve the highest possible level of physical, mental, and social well-being (Pan American Health Organization, 2001). Physical injuries often occur, but even more life threatening are the mental effects that are left behind with a sexually trafficked victim. Long term psychiatric consequences may occur in the form of depression, self-mutilating behavior, personality disorders, etc. Also, sexually abused women can potentially result in a higher amount of diagnosed sexually transmitted infections. Lack of appropriate and available access to health care is also notable a prime concern. Usage of drugs and alcohol has been suggested to play a vital role as a coping mechanism in several instances, resulting in addiction (Pan American Health Organization, 2001). Due to extremely restricted access to proper healthcare, due to locational circumstances, complications of untreated infections can arise.
An estimated 2.5 million people are in forced labour (including sexual exploitation) at any given time
as a result of trafficking.
Of these:
o 1.4 million – 56% - are in Asia and the Pacific
o 250,000 – 10% - are in Latin America and the Caribbean
o 230,000 – 9.2% - are in the Middle East and Northern Africa
o 130,000 – 5.2% - are in sub-Saharan countries
o 270,000 – 10.8% - are in industrialized countries
o 200,000 – 8% - are in countries in transition
The Traffickers
• 52% of those recruiting victims are men, 42% are women and 6% are both men and women
• In 54% of cases the recruiter was a stranger to the victim, 46% of cases the recruiter was known to
victim
• The majority of suspects involved in the trafficking process are nationals of the country where the
trafficking process is occurring
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zc-8ruUjM&feature=related
References:
Betti, S. (2003). New prospects for inter-state co-operation in criminal matters: The Palermo Convention. International Criminal Law Review, 3(2), 151-167.
Pan American Health Organization. (2001). Trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation in the America's. Retrieved from http://www.paho.org/English/AD/GE/Traffickingpaper.pdf
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