NCJ Number
222004
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2007 Pages: 123-145
Date Published
2007
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the trafficking of women for prostitution in Europe.
Abstract
The authors conclude that prostitution related trafficking is not a very high law enforcement priority in most European countries and the extent of the crime is roughly estimated by dubious methods and drastically underestimated by authorities and overestimated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). An example of this is the reported number of victims. The official estimated number of annual victims on the continent is between 15,000 and 20,000. However, more moderate estimates vary between 200,000 and 500,000 victims annually. The authors contend that the actual number lies somewhere in between. The drastic difference stems from differing ideological positions between law enforcement and NGOs. Nevertheless, the authors call for an increase in prostitution related trafficking research and more efficient data collection in order to better understand the situation. Enforcement strategies need to focus on prevention and combating these operations in the “host” countries. It is the authors contention that the trafficking routes in Europe are too numerous and variable, and the organizations too flexible, to close or eliminate them all. However, the most effective way to prevent these crimes is to improve the social and economic situations in Eastern Europe and Third World countries. Tables, maps, endnotes, and references