For most people, a holiday in the south-east Asian country of Cambodia means kilometres-long white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and the opportunity to enjoy sites of cultural interest. But it’s…

Romania is a country which “supplies” other nations with prostitutes. After being subjected to force or defrauded, women and under-age girls are transported abroad, from the country to work as…

In recent years, the concept of “sugar dating” has gained increasing popularity. In Austria, too, numerous specialized dating sites have existed for some time, focusing on bringing “sugar daddies” or…

The business of sex went online very early. In the meantime, there are numerous opportunities on the Internet for anyone who wants or needs to make money from it -…

Prostitution exists everywhere, but it is handled differently, even within the EU. In some countries, prostitution is legal, while in others it is not. In some, it is the buyer…

The Symposium of the Platform Against Exploitation and Human Trafficking was held on 20 June 2023. A range of school pupils, young adults, politicians, representatives of the media, children’s and…

International Whores’ Day, or International Sex Workers’ Day, is June 2nd. This day serves as a reminder of the discrimination and exploitation of prostitutes. Unfortunately, this also exists in Austria….

No matter how some try to spin it: Child labor cannot be glossed over. It robs girls and boys of their childhood and both their mental and physical health usually…

The issues of immigration and human trafficking are often directly connected, and form a complex network of exploitation and crime. But why are the two issues so closely connected, and…

While the prevalence of child labor may be higher in some developing countries, it is important to note that child labor knows no geographic boundaries and exists in various forms…

The practice of stigmatising prostitutes is as old as business itself. You don’t need to reflect on it in any great depth, and a word such as “whore”  immediately enables…

The human rights organization Walk Free recently released the Global Slavery Index, which shows that the number of people becoming victims of modern slavery has risen sharply in recent years….

In recent decades, the gender ratio in China has become increasingly imbalanced. The government only abolished the controversial One-Child Policy 2015, but the consequences are being felt to this day….

Every one of us has come into contact with the term child labor at some point. Be it through social media posts around fast fashion or in German class with…

The news nowadays can often seem depressing, as the world never seems to get out of crisis mode. That’s why it’s all the more important that we regularly remind ourselves…

It’s hard to imagine life without the Internet. For many children and young people in especially, it has become a fixed part of everyday life: Whether it’s for doing homework,…

Scrubber, village slut, boring school nerd – these aren’t always just jibes used by teenage boys. They can also be used by a female neighbour or an uncle to degrade…

In its most recent publication on human trafficking, the UNODC (2022) alarmingly reported a drastic decrease in the number of convictions of human traffickers. Furthermore, in addition to increasing impunity,…

It’s actually a nice idea to be cared for at home and looked after 1:1 for the rest of your life. 24-hour caregivers from abroad make this possible – but…

The already mixed image of the mass production of food took another knock recently with the publication of a BBC report highlighting sexual exploitation on Kenyan tea plantations. Although three…

Forced marriage is not only a serious encroachment on the right to self-determination of those affected, but is also a form of violence and oppression that has serious effects on…

We all know them nowadays: the dubious e-mails that regularly clog up our inbox, weird calls purporting to be from Europol and the like, and fake profiles on social networks…

Psychological and physical violence has far-reaching consequences for people who are or have been affected by it. Susanne El Mahdi is a psychologist and answers some questions about the topic…

The term “prostitution” refers to the provision of sexual services in exchange for payment. In Austria, there are currently around 8,000 registered sex workers* active in the industry. The motivations…

Victims of human trafficking often find it very difficult to exit the exploitative relationship in which they are trapped. Freedom business projects help trafficked persons to master this exit by…

The BBC (2022) recently reported on the tragic fate of four siblings. The children were forced by their parents to perform live sex shows for paedophiles on the internet, in which…

Systematic oppression, forced labor, torture, rape, human experimentation, and forced sterilization: At first, it was just conjecture, but then documents emerged that brought to light a sad reality. For decades,…

What are the forms of support being offered to people in need in Austria? They’re confidential, and can be found offering a vast array of different services for a wide…

Human trafficking and modern slave labor also exist in Europe. Associations and projects like Hope for the Future offer holistic integration models that help people escape the clutches of traffickers…

Many holidaymakers visiting West Africa come into contact with children in Senegal begging for food and water on the street. But who are these children? Where do they come from,…

Human trafficking has become a profitable business over the past decades. The reason for this does not only point to criminal gangs, which are now professionally organized. The fault, as…

Small babies being filmed hardly censored, or while taking a bath, covered with no more than a thin cloth. Three-year-olds shown on YouTube learning to go to the potty on…

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic; one day later, the first death occurs in Austria. On March 16, the federal government decides on the first lockdown:…

At the time of writing, very few countries had taken the step of banning prostitution entirely, and penalising anyone who pays for sex. Under the “Nordic Model”, the ban on…

Located in Bangladesh, Daulatdia is one of the largest brothels in the world. It has existed since British colonial times and embodies a different world beyond the culturally conservative society…

For millions of us, fireworks are just as important a part of the changing of old year to new as the Danube Waltz, bottles of sparkling wine going pop, and…

They are the youngest members of our society – and at the same time also the weakest, who need special protection. November 20th is International Children’s Rights Day – and…

In the decade since it was announced that Qatar would be hosting the 2022 World Cup, the small desert state has regularly attracted international attention. The country appears to be…

The true story of an incredible liberation An autobiography BASED ON A TRUE STORY: By the time she starts an internship at a counseling center for refugees in Nairobi, Marianne…

Making a new start, hoping for a better life – two of the core opportunities many people impacted by prostitution and/or human trafficking dream of. And that means in Austria…

Did you know that in 2010 a special project was launched in Salzburg which focuses on providing support for those leaving sex work? Have you ever heard of the institution…

As the days start drawing in and temperatures start falling for another year, there can be little lovelier than lying down on the sofa after a long autumn walk with…

“If you don’t do what I say, I’ll kill you. And throw you somewhere. No one will know you existed”. A threat heard daily by thousands of forced prostitutes in…

Since early 2022, Hope for the Future has been taking part in EVI, a project co-financed by the EU to promote the incorporation of people who have experienced gender-specific violence…

Every year on October 18th, the European Day Against Human Trafficking takes place. It draws attention to this issue and to the victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a…

Narcissistic abuse destroys lives. Victims lose their feeling of self-worth, and often continue to suffer from the consequences of the abusive relationship years later. Am I allowed to think like…

Thousands of girls and boys are abused as soldiers, spies and forced labourers in armed conflicts around the world. Children suffer the most in wars and conflicts and are increasingly…

The bitter reality is: child trafficking is not something far away, but happens on our own doorstep, in the middle of Europe. Every day, this terrible fate befalls thousands of…

Austrian legislation is supposed to create framework conditions allowing sex workers to perform their profession “safely”. We took a look at the different legislation in place across the regions, from…

They work in the brick factory or cut trees from six in the morning until one o‘clock in the night. For this, they often aren’t paid at all, or make…

It’s famed for its huge cultural range, and its wealth of mountains, lakes and forests: Upper Austria. As Austria’s third-largest federal state by population, however, Upper Austria does a great…

It is an explosive topic that is circulating around lithium batteries installed in e-cars. Should people buy cars of this type to protect the environment in Western countries, or should…

Delivery services are making people’s everyday lives easier all the time. Clients expect their dinner to be warm, or their shopping cold and fresh, whenever it reaches their front door….

Cyprus’ frozen conflict between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus created the perfect yet horrific conditions for human trafficking and many other crimes. The Mediterranean…

Victims of human trafficking are often traumatised by high levels of psychological and physical stress. They need professional support to deal with their traumas – but as a society, we…

Once a sacred, untouched mountain range – today a mass tourism destination. Mount Everest has long ceased to be an insider’s tip for extreme mountaineers. Rather, it has rapidly developed…

When we talk about or research the industry of providing sex for payment, our focus tends to return to the plight of the women involved. It’s far rarer for male…

They are confidential, there for everyone, and can be found in all federal states: Support services for people in need. The specializations of the facilities – from addiction problems to…

The unconscionable scandal surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein is currently doing the rounds again, as the official sentence has been announced. The former socialite was eventually given twenty years…

A suspected case of sexual abuse in a Viennese kindergarten has made big waves, as four cases are currently being investigated. There is a need for action on the part…

A debate is currently ongoing in Germany over whether a ban should be imposed on paying for sex, under what is often referred to as the “Nordic model”. This would…

We want to introduce a special woman who is a survivor of violence and abuse, and who was trapped in the sex industry for years – until she finally made…

Tourism has become increasingly cheap and more widely accessible in recent decades. Before the pandemic began, it was reckoned that approximately 1.8 billion people would be travelling every year by…

Whether it’s for glimmering cosmetics, children’s toothpaste or car paints, mica is the go-to mineral for manufacturers seeking to add a delicious shimmer to their products. Because most of us…

Hurray – it’s asparagus season again! You’ll find slogans of this kind everywhere you go at this time of year. One person’s culinary delight, however, is another’s abject suffering. Because…

We recently highlighted the danger Ukrainian refugees face from human traffickers in European countries. But the issue of seeking safe refuge in a time of crisis is a complex and…

The subject of organ trafficking is almost never discussed in the European media. When numbers of victims are compared, it often doesn’t appear to be as pressing a problem as…

Child pornographic images and videos can be distributed quickly and easily via the Internet. It is a gigantic, global market and finding criminals and bringing them to justice is unfortunately…

When it comes to “fast fashion”, quantity trumps quality every time. Pieces of clothing are bought, worn a handful of times, then simply thrown into a wardrobe to gather dust….

As a wealthy country at the heart of Europe, Austria is a popular transit and stop-off destination in the people trafficking industry. In an effort to counter these trends and…

Unscrupulous Mafiosi, serial killers, human traffickers – Hollywood loves a good bad guy. They send shivers down our collective spine, and keep us glued to the screen, paralysed with fear. But when…

A woman standing alone on a street, pictured from behind. The war in Ukraine has been met with incredibly high levels of empathy, a readiness to help and solidarity by…

Ever since the documentary Seaspiracy appeared on streaming platform Netflix, we’ve all been painfully aware that consuming fish and shellfish is damaging our planet for the long-term. The world’s seas…

Forced marriage – a form of human trafficking. But what’s the difference between this and arranged marriage? Does this form of deprivation of liberty happen in Austria too? An informative…

REACH, RESCUE and RESTORE. This is the guiding principle, or more precisely the operating strategy, of A21, a global non-profit organisation for combating human trafficking. For the group’s countless employees…

Eine Nachtaufnahme eines Rotlichtmilieus mit vielen Menschen auf der Straße. “Prostitution is the ultimate self-determination of women”. “One no longer says prostitution, we speak of ‘sex work’ and ‘sex workers'”….

A study by the University of Vienna came to the conclusion that temporary employment at the mask manufacturer Hygiene Austria and in a postal distribution centre in Inzersdorf led to…

When one thinks of human traffickers, a cliché image of a pimp often springs to mind. White, middle-aged male with thick gold chains. But what do we really know about…

Getting help is often near impossible. Drawing attention to one’s own dangerous situation or domestic violence often means that the perpetrator or perpetrators become even more aggressive. Getting help -…

© Katerina Marchenko Three embroidery artists from different countries had their unique works of art auctioned digitally and donated the proceeds of these auctions to Hope for the Future. Thanks…

COMMUNIST CONCENTRATION CAMPS China, what are you doing?! Europe has done nothing but watch. While we are fighting COVID-19, 1.5 million people are fighting for their lives in China in…

The Netherlands has long been considered Europe’s hotspot for human trafficking and forced labour, especially in the sex industry. The European Commission reported 1,561 cases in the Netherlands in 2016,…

Symbols of innocence, yet not exempt from the atrocities of human trafficking: Babies. Despite international agreements and conventions, the sale of babies by slave traders and adopters takes place all…

December 3rd was International Day of Disabled Persons. Today people with disabilities are considered to be integrated and equal in our western society. But does this picture correspond to the…

The Kyrgyz subsidiary of Radio Free Europe, Radio Azattyk, has investigated the tricks of the so-called “webcam industry” in the small and bitterly poor Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is…

Away from the catwalks, behind closed doors, at photo shoots and yet known by everyone. Sexual abuse is rampant in the fashion industry, even expected when working with some notorious…

The next time a schnitzel drops onto your plate, you might want to take a moment to wonder not just about the welfare of the animal it came from, but…

#MeToo Bewegung If you’re regularly on social media, you’ve probably come across the hashtag #MeToo. Originally a way for victims of sexual violence and harassment to network with one another,…

Women play an essential role in times of crisis. They are often first responders and provide essential help and care, on the road to safety, in camps, in their home…

A country full of culture, unique natural spaces,  indigenous groups and a history shaped by human trafficking that continues to this day: Colombia. Located in the northern part of South…

How is violence against women reported in the media and how do these reports influence our thinking? For years, German language researchers investigating violence have warned against the use of…

Many people understand the term sweatshop to be synonymous with the production of clothing based on the exploitation of labour. In this article we take a closer look at the…

CHILDREN AS GOODS Children are not objects and that they are not the property of someone should not be a 21st century revelation. Sadly, this is not the case, especially…

The Hungarian website NEHAGYD (Do not let it happen), which is funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to raise public awareness of human trafficking. The articles on…

There is minimum age for human trafficking – trafficking in babies is a booming business. Investigators recently uncovered a gang of criminals who traded in newborn babies. The babies reached…

From July to early September the eyes of the (media) world were on Japan. The Olympic Games, followed by the Paralympic Games, were both being held in Tokyo. Fortunately the…

People in many professions are suffering due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sex work is no exception – on the contrary. Unemployment and homelessness are the order of…

Embedded in the centre of Latin America, Paraguay plays a major role as an origin and transit country for human trafficking. The country’s economy has grown significantly over the past…

Sandra Norak is one of the few women who managed to escape prostitution. She not only managed to get away, but also managed to complete her high school diploma, study…

Flooding and heavy rain in Austria, heat and wildfires in southern Europe: Climate change has devastating costs for people all around the world. For some, especially women and girls. In…

A German man living in Austria is accused of forcing an underage Norwegian girl into prostitution. Apparently there are further victims. Charges have been laid and since August, there have…

The violation of human rights and the ignoring of human dignity are completely normal in the world of trafficking. Political organisations such as the European Union are trying to combat…

As the industrial revolution began its move to global domination from the shores of Britain, it was hardly imaginable what fundamental changes were facing humanity. Technological advances such as refrigerated…

ENSLAVED PEOPLE IN OUR MIDST! Human traffickers exploit their victims. Mainly women and girls from eastern Europe with countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia being sources of trafficked…

Sexual violence is an injury to the body and soul. The pandemic has worsened the poverty in many  countries, lots of which are our favorite travel destinations. Now, where people…

EVER-PRESENT VIOLENCE The blue spots are quickly covered with makeup before the next client stands in the door and point’s  his finger at you. Like a beaten dog, you approach…

The 12th of June is the World Day against Child Labour. This annual event is to raise awareness that even in the 21st century 160 million girls and boys are…

From not for profit organisations and small societies to religious organisations – The activities that combat human trafficking need to take place on national and international levels. Trafficking is a…

Since the COVID-19 pandemic the internet and social media have become an even more essential part of our everyday lives – especially for students. Unfortunately there are dangers online that…

Austrians are getting older and older and at home care is becoming more attractive to more and more Austrians. The current situation with lockdowns and quarantine regulations mean extra burden…

Even if the name sounds harmless, so-called “Loverboys” can destroy the lives of young people. What this involves is men that contact school girls, and pretend that they are their…

Women that are forced by coercion or necessity to sell their bodies on a regular basis are exposed to a multitude of health risks. The diagnoses that come up range…

WHAT IS A SUPPLY CHAIN LAW? Human rights and environmental protection are rarely respected when it comes to the production of the items we use in daily life. Supply chain…

In Austria prostitution, if it meets certain conditions, is legal. But is it ethically permissible for a society to allow the purchasing or renting of human bodies/love in this way?…

From national NGOs to international organizations- there are numerous institutions, that offer their help in various ways to victims of human trafficking. However, you don’t have to be a member…

According to estimates from international organisations there are currently approximately 45 million people that are victims of humans trafficking. More than ever before in human history – and Austria is…

Have you thought about where the sweater in your closet comes from? Maybe you have come across small tags that might say “Made in India” or “Made in Bangladesh”. The…

Andrea Staudenherz has been the heart of the association “Hope for the Future” (HFTF) since the beginning of 2015. HFTF campaigns for, and is working to make possible, self-determined futures…

At school, in documentaries and in films – we have all heard about “slavery” somewhere. Trafficking and trade of humans is part of the history of many of our societies….

What are the legal requirements for pregnant sex workers in Austria? What is the reality like? Numerous abortions and high health risks for mother and child are often the result,…

Jasmin (name changed) lived in China with her family. She ran a small artificial fertiliser shop with her parents. When she lost all her money to fraudulent business partners and…

In our society, myths about prostitution are widespread and firmly anchored. As a result, those affected by prostitution are once again confronted with prejudices and biases. These false assumptions are…

Many of our clients are Nigerian – as are many people working the brothels of Europe. Nigerian criminal gangs are the reason for this. They smuggle people from Nigeria to…

Although it is among the best known of the Grimms´ fairy tales in the English-speaking world, it is still a beautiful and powerful story about an orphaned girl who, despite…

Every year, approximately 15,000 people work as seasonal harvesters on Austria’s fields. Many of them are from Eastern Europe with little or no knowledge of the German language. The workers…

Regardless of whether child, woman or man – everyone is entitled to full protection of their own rights. Regardless of gender, race and origin – no crime victim should have…

Men who sell their bodies are sometimes referred to as rent boys or, more commonly, male prostitutes. Sadly, a lot of people still think that prostitution is only reserved for…

In search of prospects for survival and new opportunities abroad, many women succumb to prostitution in foreign countries. It is not uncommon to immigrate to a rich country like Austria…

Survivors of human trafficking, who are looking for a safe way out, need hope and viable livelihood skills that are suitable for entering the job market. In 2015, Andrea Staudenherz…

How do women affected by human trafficking get to Austria? Why do they even get involved in all of this in the first place? Why don’t they just run away?…

It all started with Susan, a young woman from Nigeria. Her story begins similarly to that of Joana, which was shared in our last blog entry. Back in her home village in…

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE helps and supports people affected by sexual exploitation or human trafficking by offering opportunities for a new professional start (economic empowerment). Since 2016, we have been offering…

PEOPLE ASKING (BEGGING) FOR MONEY IN VIENNA ARE OFTEN FROM EASTERN EUROPE Although forced prostitution is one of our main areas, we also deal with many other topics related to…

It is incomprehensible to many people that human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, still exists. When we read or hear the word ‘slavery’ we inevitably think: ‘But it has…

The corona pandemic triggered a wave of unemployment worldwide. Countries that rely heavily on tourism suffered severe economic damages. In Austria, attempts are being made to provide state financial aid…

Ines, a student willing to migrate to other countries, was recruited by human traffickers to prostitute herself for them in Italy. She met a man who offered her a job…

Housework, cleaning work, care work – these are all jobs that are barely or poorly paid and thus suggest a high number of unreported cases of human trafficking. Modern slavery…

Individuals who have become victims of human trafficking and exploitation carry experiences of violence, abuse, fraud and degradation. Those who hardly know anything other than poverty, fear and the feeling…

The association HOPE FOR THE FUTURE offers people in prostitution or those affected by human trafficking a programme to prepare for a professional new start. Work integration for those affected…

AREAS OF LABOUR EXPLOITATION Care and support The workers concerned are often placed through agencies in their Eastern European home countries. They are lured to Austria with relatively high wages….

I have been teaching German as a foreign language at Hope for the Future since May 2020. I am also studying social work and educational science at a university of…

Childhood sexual abuse is an extremely sensitive social problem that receives far too little attention. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is more common than you might think, but in many cases, it…

Lena (name changed), a very bright, loving and pretty lady, is sharing her story today, which will surely get under your skin. As a child, she already experienced verbal and…

Transitioning into or becoming a john does not happen without reason or thoughtlessly. People deliberately ignore sexual exploitation and actively seek sex for sale. While pleasure or boredom are frequently…

Andrea founded Hope for the Future with the vision of providing sustainable support to people in exploitative situations. What began as a heart project to her, has now grown into…

Modern slavery is a global problem and claims millions of victims. The reasons and causes for human trafficking are complex and diverse and are shaped by social, economic and cultural factors. They…

Sadly, prostitution is a very lucrative business and the sex workers always seem to get younger and younger. Nowadays, it can be assumed that most women and men who succumb…

Child trafficking is a major social problem that receives too little attention. Time and again children are treated as goods and are sold for profit. They are then taken to…

How do women affected by human trafficking get to Austria? Why do they even get involved in all of this in the first place? Why don’t they just run away?…

Survivors of human trafficking, who are looking for a safe way out, need hope and viable livelihood skills that are suitable for entering the job market. In 2015, Andrea Staudenherz…

Making a new start, hoping for a better life – two of the core opportunities many people impacted by prostitution and/or human trafficking dream of. And that means in Austria…

Since early 2022, Hope for the Future has been taking part in EVI, a project co-financed by the EU to promote the incorporation of people who have experienced gender-specific violence…

© Katerina Marchenko Three embroidery artists from different countries had their unique works of art auctioned digitally and donated the proceeds of these auctions to Hope for the Future. Thanks…

Andrea Staudenherz has been the heart of the association “Hope for the Future” (HFTF) since the beginning of 2015. HFTF campaigns for, and is working to make possible, self-determined futures…

Survivors of human trafficking, who are looking for a safe way out, need hope and viable livelihood skills that are suitable for entering the job market. In 2015, Andrea Staudenherz…

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE helps and supports people affected by sexual exploitation or human trafficking by offering opportunities for a new professional start (economic empowerment). Since 2016, we have been offering…

Ines, a student willing to migrate to other countries, was recruited by human traffickers to prostitute herself for them in Italy. She met a man who offered her a job…

The association HOPE FOR THE FUTURE offers people in prostitution or those affected by human trafficking a programme to prepare for a professional new start. Work integration for those affected…

Andrea founded Hope for the Future with the vision of providing sustainable support to people in exploitative situations. What began as a heart project to her, has now grown into…

How do women affected by human trafficking get to Austria? Why do they even get involved in all of this in the first place? Why don’t they just run away?…

Survivors of human trafficking, who are looking for a safe way out, need hope and viable livelihood skills that are suitable for entering the job market. In 2015, Andrea Staudenherz…

For most people, a holiday in the south-east Asian country of Cambodia means kilometres-long white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and the opportunity to enjoy sites of cultural interest. But it’s…

Romania is a country which “supplies” other nations with prostitutes. After being subjected to force or defrauded, women and under-age girls are transported abroad, from the country to work as…

In recent years, the concept of “sugar dating” has gained increasing popularity. In Austria, too, numerous specialized dating sites have existed for some time, focusing on bringing “sugar daddies” or…

The business of sex went online very early. In the meantime, there are numerous opportunities on the Internet for anyone who wants or needs to make money from it -…

Prostitution exists everywhere, but it is handled differently, even within the EU. In some countries, prostitution is legal, while in others it is not. In some, it is the buyer…

No matter how some try to spin it: Child labor cannot be glossed over. It robs girls and boys of their childhood and both their mental and physical health usually…

The issues of immigration and human trafficking are often directly connected, and form a complex network of exploitation and crime. But why are the two issues so closely connected, and…

While the prevalence of child labor may be higher in some developing countries, it is important to note that child labor knows no geographic boundaries and exists in various forms…

The practice of stigmatising prostitutes is as old as business itself. You don’t need to reflect on it in any great depth, and a word such as “whore”  immediately enables…

The human rights organization Walk Free recently released the Global Slavery Index, which shows that the number of people becoming victims of modern slavery has risen sharply in recent years….

In recent decades, the gender ratio in China has become increasingly imbalanced. The government only abolished the controversial One-Child Policy 2015, but the consequences are being felt to this day….

Every one of us has come into contact with the term child labor at some point. Be it through social media posts around fast fashion or in German class with…

The news nowadays can often seem depressing, as the world never seems to get out of crisis mode. That’s why it’s all the more important that we regularly remind ourselves…

Scrubber, village slut, boring school nerd – these aren’t always just jibes used by teenage boys. They can also be used by a female neighbour or an uncle to degrade…

In its most recent publication on human trafficking, the UNODC (2022) alarmingly reported a drastic decrease in the number of convictions of human traffickers. Furthermore, in addition to increasing impunity,…

The already mixed image of the mass production of food took another knock recently with the publication of a BBC report highlighting sexual exploitation on Kenyan tea plantations. Although three…

We all know them nowadays: the dubious e-mails that regularly clog up our inbox, weird calls purporting to be from Europol and the like, and fake profiles on social networks…

Psychological and physical violence has far-reaching consequences for people who are or have been affected by it. Susanne El Mahdi is a psychologist and answers some questions about the topic…

The term “prostitution” refers to the provision of sexual services in exchange for payment. In Austria, there are currently around 8,000 registered sex workers* active in the industry. The motivations…

Victims of human trafficking often find it very difficult to exit the exploitative relationship in which they are trapped. Freedom business projects help trafficked persons to master this exit by…

The BBC (2022) recently reported on the tragic fate of four siblings. The children were forced by their parents to perform live sex shows for paedophiles on the internet, in which…

Systematic oppression, forced labor, torture, rape, human experimentation, and forced sterilization: At first, it was just conjecture, but then documents emerged that brought to light a sad reality. For decades,…

Human trafficking and modern slave labor also exist in Europe. Associations and projects like Hope for the Future offer holistic integration models that help people escape the clutches of traffickers…

Many holidaymakers visiting West Africa come into contact with children in Senegal begging for food and water on the street. But who are these children? Where do they come from,…

Human trafficking has become a profitable business over the past decades. The reason for this does not only point to criminal gangs, which are now professionally organized. The fault, as…

Small babies being filmed hardly censored, or while taking a bath, covered with no more than a thin cloth. Three-year-olds shown on YouTube learning to go to the potty on…

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic; one day later, the first death occurs in Austria. On March 16, the federal government decides on the first lockdown:…

At the time of writing, very few countries had taken the step of banning prostitution entirely, and penalising anyone who pays for sex. Under the “Nordic Model”, the ban on…

Located in Bangladesh, Daulatdia is one of the largest brothels in the world. It has existed since British colonial times and embodies a different world beyond the culturally conservative society…

For millions of us, fireworks are just as important a part of the changing of old year to new as the Danube Waltz, bottles of sparkling wine going pop, and…

They are the youngest members of our society – and at the same time also the weakest, who need special protection. November 20th is International Children’s Rights Day – and…

In the decade since it was announced that Qatar would be hosting the 2022 World Cup, the small desert state has regularly attracted international attention. The country appears to be…

The true story of an incredible liberation An autobiography BASED ON A TRUE STORY: By the time she starts an internship at a counseling center for refugees in Nairobi, Marianne…

As the days start drawing in and temperatures start falling for another year, there can be little lovelier than lying down on the sofa after a long autumn walk with…

“If you don’t do what I say, I’ll kill you. And throw you somewhere. No one will know you existed”. A threat heard daily by thousands of forced prostitutes in…

Every year on October 18th, the European Day Against Human Trafficking takes place. It draws attention to this issue and to the victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a…

Narcissistic abuse destroys lives. Victims lose their feeling of self-worth, and often continue to suffer from the consequences of the abusive relationship years later. Am I allowed to think like…

Thousands of girls and boys are abused as soldiers, spies and forced labourers in armed conflicts around the world. Children suffer the most in wars and conflicts and are increasingly…

They work in the brick factory or cut trees from six in the morning until one o‘clock in the night. For this, they often aren’t paid at all, or make…

It is an explosive topic that is circulating around lithium batteries installed in e-cars. Should people buy cars of this type to protect the environment in Western countries, or should…

Delivery services are making people’s everyday lives easier all the time. Clients expect their dinner to be warm, or their shopping cold and fresh, whenever it reaches their front door….

Cyprus’ frozen conflict between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus created the perfect yet horrific conditions for human trafficking and many other crimes. The Mediterranean…

Victims of human trafficking are often traumatised by high levels of psychological and physical stress. They need professional support to deal with their traumas – but as a society, we…

Once a sacred, untouched mountain range – today a mass tourism destination. Mount Everest has long ceased to be an insider’s tip for extreme mountaineers. Rather, it has rapidly developed…

When we talk about or research the industry of providing sex for payment, our focus tends to return to the plight of the women involved. It’s far rarer for male…

The unconscionable scandal surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein is currently doing the rounds again, as the official sentence has been announced. The former socialite was eventually given twenty years…

A debate is currently ongoing in Germany over whether a ban should be imposed on paying for sex, under what is often referred to as the “Nordic model”. This would…

We want to introduce a special woman who is a survivor of violence and abuse, and who was trapped in the sex industry for years – until she finally made…

Tourism has become increasingly cheap and more widely accessible in recent decades. Before the pandemic began, it was reckoned that approximately 1.8 billion people would be travelling every year by…

Whether it’s for glimmering cosmetics, children’s toothpaste or car paints, mica is the go-to mineral for manufacturers seeking to add a delicious shimmer to their products. Because most of us…

We recently highlighted the danger Ukrainian refugees face from human traffickers in European countries. But the issue of seeking safe refuge in a time of crisis is a complex and…

The subject of organ trafficking is almost never discussed in the European media. When numbers of victims are compared, it often doesn’t appear to be as pressing a problem as…

Child pornographic images and videos can be distributed quickly and easily via the Internet. It is a gigantic, global market and finding criminals and bringing them to justice is unfortunately…

When it comes to “fast fashion”, quantity trumps quality every time. Pieces of clothing are bought, worn a handful of times, then simply thrown into a wardrobe to gather dust….

Unscrupulous Mafiosi, serial killers, human traffickers – Hollywood loves a good bad guy. They send shivers down our collective spine, and keep us glued to the screen, paralysed with fear. But when…

A woman standing alone on a street, pictured from behind. The war in Ukraine has been met with incredibly high levels of empathy, a readiness to help and solidarity by…

Ever since the documentary Seaspiracy appeared on streaming platform Netflix, we’ve all been painfully aware that consuming fish and shellfish is damaging our planet for the long-term. The world’s seas…

Forced marriage – a form of human trafficking. But what’s the difference between this and arranged marriage? Does this form of deprivation of liberty happen in Austria too? An informative…

REACH, RESCUE and RESTORE. This is the guiding principle, or more precisely the operating strategy, of A21, a global non-profit organisation for combating human trafficking. For the group’s countless employees…

Eine Nachtaufnahme eines Rotlichtmilieus mit vielen Menschen auf der Straße. “Prostitution is the ultimate self-determination of women”. “One no longer says prostitution, we speak of ‘sex work’ and ‘sex workers'”….

When one thinks of human traffickers, a cliché image of a pimp often springs to mind. White, middle-aged male with thick gold chains. But what do we really know about…

Getting help is often near impossible. Drawing attention to one’s own dangerous situation or domestic violence often means that the perpetrator or perpetrators become even more aggressive. Getting help -…

COMMUNIST CONCENTRATION CAMPS China, what are you doing?! Europe has done nothing but watch. While we are fighting COVID-19, 1.5 million people are fighting for their lives in China in…

The Netherlands has long been considered Europe’s hotspot for human trafficking and forced labour, especially in the sex industry. The European Commission reported 1,561 cases in the Netherlands in 2016,…

Symbols of innocence, yet not exempt from the atrocities of human trafficking: Babies. Despite international agreements and conventions, the sale of babies by slave traders and adopters takes place all…

The Kyrgyz subsidiary of Radio Free Europe, Radio Azattyk, has investigated the tricks of the so-called “webcam industry” in the small and bitterly poor Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is…

Away from the catwalks, behind closed doors, at photo shoots and yet known by everyone. Sexual abuse is rampant in the fashion industry, even expected when working with some notorious…

The next time a schnitzel drops onto your plate, you might want to take a moment to wonder not just about the welfare of the animal it came from, but…

#MeToo Bewegung If you’re regularly on social media, you’ve probably come across the hashtag #MeToo. Originally a way for victims of sexual violence and harassment to network with one another,…

Women play an essential role in times of crisis. They are often first responders and provide essential help and care, on the road to safety, in camps, in their home…

A country full of culture, unique natural spaces,  indigenous groups and a history shaped by human trafficking that continues to this day: Colombia. Located in the northern part of South…

How is violence against women reported in the media and how do these reports influence our thinking? For years, German language researchers investigating violence have warned against the use of…

Many people understand the term sweatshop to be synonymous with the production of clothing based on the exploitation of labour. In this article we take a closer look at the…

CHILDREN AS GOODS Children are not objects and that they are not the property of someone should not be a 21st century revelation. Sadly, this is not the case, especially…

The Hungarian website NEHAGYD (Do not let it happen), which is funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to raise public awareness of human trafficking. The articles on…

There is minimum age for human trafficking – trafficking in babies is a booming business. Investigators recently uncovered a gang of criminals who traded in newborn babies. The babies reached…

From July to early September the eyes of the (media) world were on Japan. The Olympic Games, followed by the Paralympic Games, were both being held in Tokyo. Fortunately the…

People in many professions are suffering due to restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Sex work is no exception – on the contrary. Unemployment and homelessness are the order of…

Embedded in the centre of Latin America, Paraguay plays a major role as an origin and transit country for human trafficking. The country’s economy has grown significantly over the past…

Sandra Norak is one of the few women who managed to escape prostitution. She not only managed to get away, but also managed to complete her high school diploma, study…

Flooding and heavy rain in Austria, heat and wildfires in southern Europe: Climate change has devastating costs for people all around the world. For some, especially women and girls. In…

As the industrial revolution began its move to global domination from the shores of Britain, it was hardly imaginable what fundamental changes were facing humanity. Technological advances such as refrigerated…

Sexual violence is an injury to the body and soul. The pandemic has worsened the poverty in many  countries, lots of which are our favorite travel destinations. Now, where people…

EVER-PRESENT VIOLENCE The blue spots are quickly covered with makeup before the next client stands in the door and point’s  his finger at you. Like a beaten dog, you approach…

The 12th of June is the World Day against Child Labour. This annual event is to raise awareness that even in the 21st century 160 million girls and boys are…

Since the COVID-19 pandemic the internet and social media have become an even more essential part of our everyday lives – especially for students. Unfortunately there are dangers online that…

Even if the name sounds harmless, so-called “Loverboys” can destroy the lives of young people. What this involves is men that contact school girls, and pretend that they are their…

WHAT IS A SUPPLY CHAIN LAW? Human rights and environmental protection are rarely respected when it comes to the production of the items we use in daily life. Supply chain…

In Austria prostitution, if it meets certain conditions, is legal. But is it ethically permissible for a society to allow the purchasing or renting of human bodies/love in this way?…

From national NGOs to international organizations- there are numerous institutions, that offer their help in various ways to victims of human trafficking. However, you don’t have to be a member…

Have you thought about where the sweater in your closet comes from? Maybe you have come across small tags that might say “Made in India” or “Made in Bangladesh”. The…

At school, in documentaries and in films – we have all heard about “slavery” somewhere. Trafficking and trade of humans is part of the history of many of our societies….

Jasmin (name changed) lived in China with her family. She ran a small artificial fertiliser shop with her parents. When she lost all her money to fraudulent business partners and…

In our society, myths about prostitution are widespread and firmly anchored. As a result, those affected by prostitution are once again confronted with prejudices and biases. These false assumptions are…

Many of our clients are Nigerian – as are many people working the brothels of Europe. Nigerian criminal gangs are the reason for this. They smuggle people from Nigeria to…

Although it is among the best known of the Grimms´ fairy tales in the English-speaking world, it is still a beautiful and powerful story about an orphaned girl who, despite…

Regardless of whether child, woman or man – everyone is entitled to full protection of their own rights. Regardless of gender, race and origin – no crime victim should have…

Men who sell their bodies are sometimes referred to as rent boys or, more commonly, male prostitutes. Sadly, a lot of people still think that prostitution is only reserved for…

In search of prospects for survival and new opportunities abroad, many women succumb to prostitution in foreign countries. It is not uncommon to immigrate to a rich country like Austria…

It all started with Susan, a young woman from Nigeria. Her story begins similarly to that of Joana, which was shared in our last blog entry. Back in her home village in…

PEOPLE ASKING (BEGGING) FOR MONEY IN VIENNA ARE OFTEN FROM EASTERN EUROPE Although forced prostitution is one of our main areas, we also deal with many other topics related to…

It is incomprehensible to many people that human trafficking, the modern form of slavery, still exists. When we read or hear the word ‘slavery’ we inevitably think: ‘But it has…

The corona pandemic triggered a wave of unemployment worldwide. Countries that rely heavily on tourism suffered severe economic damages. In Austria, attempts are being made to provide state financial aid…

Individuals who have become victims of human trafficking and exploitation carry experiences of violence, abuse, fraud and degradation. Those who hardly know anything other than poverty, fear and the feeling…

Childhood sexual abuse is an extremely sensitive social problem that receives far too little attention. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is more common than you might think, but in many cases, it…

Lena (name changed), a very bright, loving and pretty lady, is sharing her story today, which will surely get under your skin. As a child, she already experienced verbal and…

Transitioning into or becoming a john does not happen without reason or thoughtlessly. People deliberately ignore sexual exploitation and actively seek sex for sale. While pleasure or boredom are frequently…

Modern slavery is a global problem and claims millions of victims. The reasons and causes for human trafficking are complex and diverse and are shaped by social, economic and cultural factors. They…

Sadly, prostitution is a very lucrative business and the sex workers always seem to get younger and younger. Nowadays, it can be assumed that most women and men who succumb…

Child trafficking is a major social problem that receives too little attention. Time and again children are treated as goods and are sold for profit. They are then taken to…

The Symposium of the Platform Against Exploitation and Human Trafficking was held on 20 June 2023. A range of school pupils, young adults, politicians, representatives of the media, children’s and…

International Whores’ Day, or International Sex Workers’ Day, is June 2nd. This day serves as a reminder of the discrimination and exploitation of prostitutes. Unfortunately, this also exists in Austria….

The human rights organization Walk Free recently released the Global Slavery Index, which shows that the number of people becoming victims of modern slavery has risen sharply in recent years….

It’s hard to imagine life without the Internet. For many children and young people in especially, it has become a fixed part of everyday life: Whether it’s for doing homework,…

It’s actually a nice idea to be cared for at home and looked after 1:1 for the rest of your life. 24-hour caregivers from abroad make this possible – but…

Forced marriage is not only a serious encroachment on the right to self-determination of those affected, but is also a form of violence and oppression that has serious effects on…

What are the forms of support being offered to people in need in Austria? They’re confidential, and can be found offering a vast array of different services for a wide…

Did you know that in 2010 a special project was launched in Salzburg which focuses on providing support for those leaving sex work? Have you ever heard of the institution…

The bitter reality is: child trafficking is not something far away, but happens on our own doorstep, in the middle of Europe. Every day, this terrible fate befalls thousands of…

Austrian legislation is supposed to create framework conditions allowing sex workers to perform their profession “safely”. We took a look at the different legislation in place across the regions, from…

It’s famed for its huge cultural range, and its wealth of mountains, lakes and forests: Upper Austria. As Austria’s third-largest federal state by population, however, Upper Austria does a great…

They are confidential, there for everyone, and can be found in all federal states: Support services for people in need. The specializations of the facilities – from addiction problems to…

A suspected case of sexual abuse in a Viennese kindergarten has made big waves, as four cases are currently being investigated. There is a need for action on the part…

Hurray – it’s asparagus season again! You’ll find slogans of this kind everywhere you go at this time of year. One person’s culinary delight, however, is another’s abject suffering. Because…

As a wealthy country at the heart of Europe, Austria is a popular transit and stop-off destination in the people trafficking industry. In an effort to counter these trends and…

A study by the University of Vienna came to the conclusion that temporary employment at the mask manufacturer Hygiene Austria and in a postal distribution centre in Inzersdorf led to…

December 3rd was International Day of Disabled Persons. Today people with disabilities are considered to be integrated and equal in our western society. But does this picture correspond to the…

A German man living in Austria is accused of forcing an underage Norwegian girl into prostitution. Apparently there are further victims. Charges have been laid and since August, there have…

The violation of human rights and the ignoring of human dignity are completely normal in the world of trafficking. Political organisations such as the European Union are trying to combat…

ENSLAVED PEOPLE IN OUR MIDST! Human traffickers exploit their victims. Mainly women and girls from eastern Europe with countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia being sources of trafficked…

From not for profit organisations and small societies to religious organisations – The activities that combat human trafficking need to take place on national and international levels. Trafficking is a…

Austrians are getting older and older and at home care is becoming more attractive to more and more Austrians. The current situation with lockdowns and quarantine regulations mean extra burden…

Women that are forced by coercion or necessity to sell their bodies on a regular basis are exposed to a multitude of health risks. The diagnoses that come up range…

According to estimates from international organisations there are currently approximately 45 million people that are victims of humans trafficking. More than ever before in human history – and Austria is…

What are the legal requirements for pregnant sex workers in Austria? What is the reality like? Numerous abortions and high health risks for mother and child are often the result,…

Every year, approximately 15,000 people work as seasonal harvesters on Austria’s fields. Many of them are from Eastern Europe with little or no knowledge of the German language. The workers…

How do women affected by human trafficking get to Austria? Why do they even get involved in all of this in the first place? Why don’t they just run away?…

Housework, cleaning work, care work – these are all jobs that are barely or poorly paid and thus suggest a high number of unreported cases of human trafficking. Modern slavery…

AREAS OF LABOUR EXPLOITATION Care and support The workers concerned are often placed through agencies in their Eastern European home countries. They are lured to Austria with relatively high wages….

I have been teaching German as a foreign language at Hope for the Future since May 2020. I am also studying social work and educational science at a university of…