INFORMATION

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 in this text. HOW DO TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AFFECT VICTIMS? The term “trauma” or “traumatic” disorders is now used increasingly by …

What victims of psychological and physical violence have to deal with Read More »

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 for working as a prostitute can vary widely. When looked at more closely, however, it’s actually very rare for such a choice to be anything …

Just how voluntary is prostitution really? Read More »

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 offering them a new perspective. They ensure that they receive training and meaningful work, a social network and, if necessary, psychological support. Such projects or …

Freedom business projects worldwide Read More »

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 they were raped and abused by their parents. This case is not a one-off. Approximately 80% of all Philippine children are threatened by sexual exploitation …

Child Pornography in The Philippines Read More »

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, members of the Uyghur ethnic group in northwest China have been systematically oppressed, persecuted, and put into so-called “re-education camps” – and we all watch …

Forced Labor in Xinjiang: The Hidden Suffering of a Religious Minority Read More »

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 and start a new, fulfilling life. Without qualifications and language skills, however, many end up back in the exploitative workforce sooner or later – which …

A Path to Freedom – Exit Projects in Europe Read More »

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, and who is forcing them to beg? And finally, should we give or not give – and what are the alternatives? HOLIDAYING BETWEEN NATIONAL PARKS, …

To give – or not to give? Child beggars in Senegal Read More »

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 it happens so often, is in the system, meaning our economic system. Also known as capitalism, our system today not only tolerates human trafficking, but …

Capitalism and human trafficking Read More »

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 their own for the first time. Six-year-olds having a hissy fit, the camera still running. And nine-year-old children happily skipping about in the garden, jumping …

Family Bloggers: Child Labour Hidden Online? Read More »

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: the aim is to protect human lives. But in doing so, it endangers those who are not safe at home. A report on increased domestic …

Like oil on fire: The Corona pandemic & domestic violence Read More »