The International Sexual Trafficking of Women and Children

Abstract

The contemporary international slave trade has received little attention in the social work literature. In keeping with the profession's commitment to social justice and human rights, this article reviews perhaps the most prominent and fastest-growing component of the trade—the trafficking of young women and children for prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation. The role of criminal networks in the globalization of sexual trafficking is discussed, along with the recruitment strategies used by the networks. Suggestions are offered for advocating on behalf of women and children, and information is provided to assist social workers in the provision of services to victims of trafficking.