Citation

McDonald L, Timoshkina N. Int. J. Comp. Appl. Crim. Justice 2007; 32(2): 211-243.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Society of Criminology's Division of International Criminology, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses the life of women trafficked to Canada from the former Eastern Bloc. The authors focused on three primary themes in the conclusion of this multi-faceted study: the complexity of human trafficking and the centrality of human agency; the need to offer concrete help to victims rather than punishment; and the futility of reverse trafficking. The authors found that the issue is complex and that there are varied views toward trafficking that change over time. The current definitions of human trafficking do not fully capture the experiences of the victims and there is not concrete consensus on the combined aspects of the issue. The authors see the processes of trafficking, smuggling, and forced labor as a continuum that varies and evolves and that seldom do two individuals share the same experiences. The study underscores how basic human rights of victims are violated independent of their trafficking experience. Many are stigmatized because of their ultimate occupation, marginalized by society because of their language, and limited in legitimate employment opportunities in addition to being ignorant of healthcare, legal, educational, and social services available to them if they seek to find their way out of the sex trade. Additionally, when “rescued” most of these victims are arrested and detained and some are deported. This punishment, coupled with reverse trafficking where the traffickers offer to allow the victim to “work their way out,” forces these women into continued exploitation as a perceived means of survival. This continuum, and the paradox of being viewed as both the victim and the offender, is truly a disservice to the women involved. (NCJRS abstract)