Human trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation… These seem like the stuff of thrillers. However, statistics show otherwise – they are the reality of thousands of people. Due to the vulnerable state that criminals take advantage of, women who are looking for a better life, fleeing war or domestic violence become victims.

Modern slavery is:
🔹 Human trafficking - when people are taken abroad by deception or force "for work", but in reality are forced into prostitution, hard labor without pay, or begging.
🔹 Labor exploitation - when people are deprived of documents, forced to work without pay, held by force or blackmail, and threatened.
🔹 Forced labor - when a person cannot freely leave work due to threats, violence, or economic dependence.
🔹 Forced marriage – when victims are married without their consent, often for debt or money.
🔹 Sexual exploitation – when victims are forced into prostitution, pornography, or “escort services” under pressure, deception, or violence.
🔹 Surrogacy (in cases of exploitation) – when women are used, depriving them of their rights to their own bodies, health, and dignity.

Abusers exploit people's vulnerability – war, loss of home, lack of money, which force them to seek salvation. And it is at this moment that the "do-gooder" appears. First he/she helps, and then - a dependency is created, where the victims are presented with a bill that cannot be paid with money. Because of which sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, forced begging begin – these are crimes against human dignity.

📌How to protect yourself?
🔎Never give original documents to anyone (only to border guards and police).
🔎Do not agree to work without a contract in a language you understand.
🔎Have a code word for your family that means "I'm in danger, save me," even if you say everything is fine on the phone.
🔎To learn more about the risks of human trafficking and exploitation, follow the link: https://la-strada.org.ua/download/infografika-diznajtesya-pro-ryzyky-torgivli-lyudmy-ta-ekspluatatsiyi

If you have been a victim of domestic violence or gender discrimination, please contact the National Hotline for Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking and Gender Discrimination for advice and assistance:
116 123
0 800 500 335
Telegram: @NHL116123
Instagram: @lastradaukraine
Facebook: @lastradaukraine

#LaStradaUkraine #16DaysAgainstViolence