Causes of Sex Slavery and Human Trafficking

Extreme poverty, social and economic unrest, and corruption are causes of the international problem of sex slavery and human trafficking. Its profitability because of the increasing demand also perpetuates the crisis.

Human Trafficking is an international problem to which millions fall victim each year. The problem is increasing because of globalization and the lack of regulations. When coercion is used to force one into labor for the profit of another, this is trafficking. There are some general causes and influences of sex slavery and human trafficking.

Extreme poverty is typical in the regions and for victims where sex slavery occurs, especially among women. When women are unemployed and their economic position is low, there is no escaping their situations. With promises of jobs or better living conditions, they are frequently coerced into slavery. In some societies, woman and girls are perceived as expendable, and they are treated with a lack of respect. In these cultures, it is not considered morally wrong to abuse a female, which perpetuates the problem of human trafficking further.

Typically, there is extreme social and economic unrest and political corruption where human trafficking is common. This lack of stability leads to widespread corruption, allowing the abuse and the illegal transit of humans across borders.

Human trafficking and sex slavery is also profitable, so in these corrupt and poor regions, the appeal of making money continues the problem. Not only is it cheap labor, but the profits to be made on another, many times via organized crime, is big business. The human trafficking process begins at a country of origin and eventually to a country of destination, and the demand for the inhumane use of women and children drives the continuation of human trafficking and sex slavery.

The demand is rising internationally, and the lack of public knowledge is another cause for human trafficking. With education and awareness, the problem would decrease. Human trafficking not only affects countries with conflict and unrest, many destination countries where the demand for prostitution is high are developed countries, including the United States.

Bio: Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor. "Causes of Sex Slavery and Human Trafficking" notes the causes of this global crime. Soroptimist.org is an international women's organization to support programs to help women and girls become independent to evade these circumstances.