International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Volume 97, Issue 3, 2007, Pages 221-226

Experiences of sex trafficking victims in Mumbai, India (Article)

Silverman J.G.* , Decker M.R. , Gupta J. , Maheshwari A. , Patel V. , Willis B.M. , Raj A.
  • a Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Boston, MA, United States
  • b Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Boston, MA, United States
  • c Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Society, Human Development and Health, Boston, MA, United States
  • d Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
  • e Rescue Foundation, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • f ECPAT International, Washington, DC, United States
  • g Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Objective: To explore mechanisms and contexts related to sex trafficking victimization among South Asian women and girls rescued from brothels in Mumbai, India. Methods: Records of residents at a major non-governmental organization providing rescue, shelter and care of minor girls and of women held against their will in brothels in Mumbai were systematically reviewed (n = 160). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and demographic differences in trafficking mechanisms and pre-disposing contexts were explored. Results: The majority of victims (51.9%) were trafficked as minors and by individuals previously known to them (59.7%). Traffickers most commonly lured victims via promises of economic opportunity (55.0%) or kidnapped individuals via use of drugs or force (26.3%). Victims were most often trafficked from public settings (e.g., markets, train stations; 50.9%) and via public transportation (94.9%). Almost half (49.4%) reported some type of family disruption as directly leading to their being trafficked; violence involving husbands or other family members (38.0%) and marital separation or abandonment (32.9%) were the most common forms of disruption reported. Differences in experiences of trafficking were identified based on age, nationality, education, and marital status; no differences were found based on religion. Conclusion: The interaction of poverty and gender-based mistreatment of women and girls in families heightens the risk of sex trafficking; further empirical research is needed on this critically understudied issue. Prevention efforts should work to improve economic opportunities and security for impoverished women and girls, educate communities regarding the tactics and identities of traffickers, as well as promote structural interventions to reduce trafficking. © 2007 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Author Keywords

South Asia Women India violence Prostitution Trafficking

Index Keywords

economic aspect male controlled study government female priority journal kidnapping India victim sexual crime demography Article forced choice method human adult Adolescent drug abuse Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34248383906&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijgo.2006.12.003&partnerID=40&md5=b84a122191a30b3087ae4026a2ef9152
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2006.12.003
ISSN: 00207292
Cited by: 39
Original Language: English