Fafo-report 426

Anette Brunovskis and Guri Tyldum

Crossing Borders

An Empirical Study of Transnational Prostitution and Trafficking in Human Beings

ISBN 82-7422-416-7
2004 132 p NOK 232,- Order no: 426 Order

Web edition (pdf 442kb) * More publications on this subject

This report presents the results of a study of transnational prostitution and trafficking in women, with two main goals. The report presents an estimate of the number and nationalities of women selling sex in Oslo, based on a survey undertaken during one month in 2003. Further, the report investigates mechanisms of trafficking and exploitation in prostitution, through analysis of interviews with women focussing on life histories. A particular aim is to explore the role of enforcement, exploitation and opportunities at various stages of the process. Crossing Borders also analyses how trafficked women have found their ways out again, using own resources and skills, as well as public and private helpers to cross the borders back.

1 Introduction

2 Prostitution, trafficking and migration
2.1 A migration framework for understanding trafficking and prostitution
2.2 Explaining variation in outcome

3 Migrant prostitution in Norway
3.1 A group with much diversity

4 Resources, choices and risk situations
4.1 Background and resources
4.2 Choosing migration, choosing prostitution: The role of other actors
4.3 Choices in response to what?

5 Recruitment to trafficking
5.1 Relations with the recruiter
5.2 The role of the recruiter

6 Coercion and control
6.1 Three stories of coercion
6.2 Force and violence
6.3 Captive behind open doors
6.4 When oppression is internalised
6.5 Earning money
6.6 Voluntary or forced – does a distinction make sense?
6.7 How can we recognise trafficking?

7 Exit processes – getting away
7.1 Why do they leave?
7.2 How do they leave?
7.3 Interventions and assistance

8 Going home
8.1 Contact with rehabilitation services
8.2 Contact with the police
8.3 Shame and secrecy: The success stories live on
8.4 Current situation and future prospects

9 Conclusion