Sexual slavery

L'Enlèvement des Sabines – Nicolas Poussin – Musée du Louvre, INV 7290 – Q3110586

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The White Slave statue

Chinese girl from one of the Japanese Army's 'comfort battalions'

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Yasuura House

Sexual slavery is a form of slavery that involves the exploitation of individuals through forced sexual activities. It is a severe violation of human rights and is considered a form of human trafficking. Sexual slavery can occur in various contexts, including forced prostitution, child sexual exploitation, and forced marriage.

Forms of Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery can manifest in several forms, including but not limited to:

• Forced Prostitution: Individuals, often women and children, are coerced into providing sexual services against their will. This is commonly associated with human trafficking networks.
• Child Sexual Exploitation: Minors are exploited for sexual purposes, often involving child pornography and child prostitution.
• Forced Marriage: Individuals, typically women and girls, are forced into marriage without their consent and are subjected to sexual exploitation by their spouses.
• Sexual Servitude: Victims are kept in conditions of servitude and are forced to engage in sexual activities. This can occur in both domestic and international contexts.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of sexual slavery, including:

• Poverty: Economic hardship can make individuals more vulnerable to exploitation.
• Conflict and Instability: War and political instability can lead to increased instances of sexual slavery, as seen in cases of war rape.
• Gender Inequality: Societal norms that devalue women and girls can contribute to their exploitation.
• Lack of Legal Protections: Weak legal frameworks and enforcement can allow sexual slavery to persist.

Impact on Victims

The impact of sexual slavery on victims is profound and long-lasting. It includes:

• Physical Health Issues: Victims often suffer from sexually transmitted infections, injuries, and other health problems.
• Mental Health Issues: Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, is common among survivors.
• Social Stigma: Victims may face ostracism and discrimination from their communities.

Efforts to Combat Sexual Slavery

Various international and national efforts are in place to combat sexual slavery, including:

• Legislation: Laws and regulations aimed at preventing human trafficking and protecting victims.
• International Treaties: Agreements such as the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Organizations that provide support and advocacy for victims.

Related Pages

• Human trafficking
• Forced prostitution
• Child sexual exploitation
• Forced marriage
• War rape
• Post-traumatic stress disorder