Human trafficking for sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation and forced prostitution almost exclusively affect young women, some of whom are still underage. In Germany, since the EU's eastern expansion, most victims have come from Eastern and Southeastern Europe, followed by West Africa, especially Nigeria, and crime victims born in Germany. According to the situation report from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), an average of 600 - 800 women, men and minors are identified as victims of human trafficking in the Federal Republic every year. All experts agree that these numbers only show the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that more than 10,000 women in Germany are forced into prostitution every year. In Europe, more than 100,000 women are said to be trafficked and trafficked every year.

 Those affected leave their country of origin due to poverty and lack of economic prospects and often also to escape a family life situation that is characterized by constraints and violence.

 Some women are deceived by false promises from apparently trustworthy recruiters and believe that they will have great luck abroad. Other women know that they will work in prostitution even before they come to Germany. But everyone is deceived about the real living and working conditions.

 The women come - mostly penniless - to a foreign country whose language they do not understand and where they cannot rely on reliable social networks. The human traffickers and pimps exploit dependency and helplessness. If those affected come from non-EU countries, their illegal residence status exacerbates this situation.

 Source: FIM, Frauenrecht ist Menschenrecht (Womens rights are human rights)