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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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International and Area Studies

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Donna M. Hughes

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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The "Natasha" Trade: Transnational Sex Trafficking, Donna M. Hughes Dr. Dec 2000

The "Natasha" Trade: Transnational Sex Trafficking, Donna M. Hughes Dr.

Donna M. Hughes

Trafficking in women and girls for the purpose of sexual exploitation is a shadow market valued at US $7 billion annually. Women are trafficked to, from, and through every region in the world. This highly profitable trade poses a relatively low risk compared with trades in drugs or arms. The moneymakers are transnational networks of traffickers and pimps who prey on women seeking employment and opportunities. These illegal activities and related crimes not only harm the women involved; they also undermine the social, political, and economic fabric of the nations where they occur.