The United States government estimates that approximately 50,000 women and children are trafficked into the United States every year, primarily from Southeast Asia, countries of the former Soviet Union, and Latin America. Read on to learn more about how you can help end the heinous crime of sex slavery.

Some of the most overlooked human rights abuses of women, prostitution and sex slavery are terrible crimes against woman and girls worldwide. In no other “so called profession” are so many women murdered each year—women in prostitution are 18 times more likely to be murdered than women of similar age and race. Referred to as the world’s oldest “profession”, prostitution (and sex slavery) should be referred to as the world’s oldest “oppression”. This article examines how prostitution and sex trafficking are caused by gender inequality and the demand for paid sex. Sex slavery and prostitution of women is a lethal form of violence against women, in addition to a violation of basic human rights.

Sex slavery, a crime proliferating at an alarming rate, and is also caused by gender inequality that allows the demand for sex slaves to exist and flourish.

Despite society’s attempts to “normalize” prostitution, prostitution and sex slavery are forms of violence against women and violate a woman’s most basic human rights. Women who are prostituted are frequently subjected to violence and abuse from their “clients”. For the majority of women, prostitution is the “experience of being hunted, dominated, harassed, assaulted and battered”.

Prostitution, like sex slavery, is not a choice as many individuals believe. Women who have survived prostitution describe it as the “choice made by those who have no choice”. The push factors and global forces that result in prostitution include gender discrimination, race discrimination, poverty, sexual and verbal abuse, lack of education, and job that doesn’t pay a living wage.

Other Prostitution Push Factors Include:

• Childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse.
• Poverty and desperation to support family members.
• Drug addictions.
• Lack of education.
• As a last resort when social infrastructure collapses due to famine, war, natural disasters, and economic strife.

Gender inequality will continue to flourish as long as men buy, sell, and exploit women through prostitution and sex slavery. The root of prostitution is gender-based discrimination and inequality, creating a system where men are able to sexually exploit women without interference from law enforcement, society, or culture because of racism, abuse, and poverty. The demand for paid sex drives the sex slavery market—there will always be a supply to meet the demand. Sex slavery and prostitution will continue until demands cease. Sex traffickers prey upon women in vulnerable positions, those with little means or lack of skills necessary for employment.

The goal is to stop sex slavery and prostitution before it starts. Women rescued from sex slavery and prostitution benefit from both support and resources when rebuilding their lives. This includes job training, education, psychological help, and frequently translators. Organizations provide programs to assist women in need of financial support by providing resources necessary to improve skills, education, and employment prospects. Opportunity awards for women assist in rebuilding their lives.

If interested in supporting local organizations work to improve the lives of women and girls, there are many ways to help. Learn more about how you can raise awareness about sex trafficking and prostitution and help women fight poverty, exploitation, and victimization.