Providing a path out
of human trafficking
and forced prostitution
Giving Hope & Help
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE offers people in prostitution and other persons who have been affected by Human Trafficking the active possibility for an occupational new beginning,
We see ourselves as an anchor of hope to accomplish the following together with the concerned individuals:
- Confront the existential fears and worries
- Explore training and continued training possibilities
- Make the dream of a self-chosen occupational future in freedom and dignity a reality
Insight into the lives of victims
We tell the stories of our current and past clients. We show how support can change the life of a
human trafficing victim.
- AFFECTED PERSONS
We can help YOU!
We offer free workshops where you can learn German or word processing. We also offer free workshops where you can learn how to get started in the regular workforce.
In addition to this, there are jobs available in the hotel industry or the sewing trades, which can make the transition to the regular workforce easier.
- INDIVIDUALS
We need YOU!
Without individual backers our organisation would not exist. From volunteer support, to a donation, or purchasing our sewn products and unique items, any support is welcome.
- COMPANIES
Support people in "need"!
Buy hand sewn products from HOPE FOR THE FUTURE – Customised to your needs and, if required, with your company’s logo.
Either as a gift for your employees or your customers – This will be a gift that gives on multiple levels!
INFORMATION
About Human Trafficking and Prostitution
Treasures – A path to freedom
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 and Human Trafficking
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…
The beautiful, glimmering world of mica: an industry benefiting from illegal child labour
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…
The grubby business of asparagus – systematic exploitation of harvest workers in Europe
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…
Seeking refuge and human trafficking – A toxic combination
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…
Organ Trafficking as a Form of Human Trafficking
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 pornography on the internet
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…
All Just a Sham – Why You Should Keep Your Hands Off Fast Fashion
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….
Offers of support in Austria
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…
Hollywood and Human Trafficking
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…
Female Ukrainian refugees threatened by human trafficking
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…
Modern Slavery on Thailand’s Fishing Boats
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 – What You Need to Know.
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…
The A21 Campaign: an Organisation in the Fight against Slavery
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…
End the myth and ban prostitution
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'“….
Temp Work – Scandals in Austria
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…
Who are the human traffickers? What is their background and what is their motive?
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…
Get help, but inconspicuously
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 -…
Genocide and Concentration Camps in the 21st Century
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…
Human trafficking and forced labor in Europe – Hotspot Netherlands, why falling victim numbers are worrying
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,…
Baby factories: The market for children is booming
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…
Disabled people are living from pocket money
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…
Sex workers in the webcam industry
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…
Glamour, glitter and gruesomeness – The problems with the fashion industry
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 exploitation of foreign workers in Europe’s meat industry
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…
The #MeToo Movement – An Overview
#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 seeking asylum – From one crisis into 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…
Misery in Columbia: Fatalities in illegal mines
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 language trivialises violence against women
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…
Sweatshops: This is why you should not buy fast fashion
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…
Child sex trafficking – A lucrative business
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…
Human Trafficking: The Victims and Perpetrators
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…
Infants traded like a commodity
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…
The dark side of professional sport
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…
The fight for survival – Sex work during the pandemic
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…
Human trafficking in Paraguay
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…
The tireless struggle of a former prostitute
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…
Women and children – Victims of climate change
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…
Man suspected of repeated sexual exploitation
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…
Taskforce trafficking: Austria’s fight against illegal exploitation
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…
These everyday items are made with forced labour
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…
Report on Human Trafficking in 2020 released on 1st of July 2021
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…
Child Protection in Holiday Destinations
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…
The everyday life in the red-light district-a misogynistic work environment
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…
Child Labour: This is why it still takes place
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…
Projects and organisations combating human trafficking
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…
Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation in Social Networks
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…
The Exploitation of Home Carers
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…
From Dream Man to Street Corner – the Loverboy Scam
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…
Health and Wellbeing in Prostitution
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…
Seven questions around supply chain laws
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…
Should the purchase of bodies be legal?
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?…
The fight against human trafficking: How anyone can help?
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…
How is Austria involved in human trafficking?
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…
Modern Slavery in the Fashion Industry
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…
The Trade in Humans Through the Ages
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….
Pregnant: Work – Exit – Alternatives
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,…
The promised life
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…
Myths about prostitution
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…
The Nigerian Mafia and Human Trafficking
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…
The German Fairy Tale „the Star Money” by the Brothers Grimm (Revisited)
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…
Labour Exploitation in the Austrian Agricultural Sector
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…
Victim Protection – Support and Individual Rights of Those in Need of Protection
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…
WHEN THE DREAM OF SUPPORTING ONESELF FINANCIALLY TURNS INTO A FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL
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…
Violence against women in prostitution
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…
Susan: the brave woman who brought her human traffickers to justice
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…
Begging in Austria
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…
How do people become modern slaves? – Recruitment techniques in human trafficking
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…
How does the corona pandemic affect conditions of human trafficking?
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…
Modern slaves can be found in all areas in which others are unwilling to do the work themselves
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…
Trauma – the scars of 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…
Labour exploitation in Austria
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….
Prostitution as a result of child abuse
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…
The unpredictable loverboy scam
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…
Pornography as gateway into becoming a John
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…
The effect discrimination has on human trafficking
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…
Addiction and prostitution
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…
Children treated as commodities
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…
NEWS ABOUT US
What is currently happening at HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
The ‚Hope Collection‘: An unusual Fundraiser
© 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…
A conversation with Andrea Staudenherz
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…
A safe way out of an exploitative life – HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
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…
Joana – a trainee from HOPE FOR THE FUTURE shares her heartbreaking Story
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?…
Securing a sustainable future – our employment integration project in a seminar hotel in Lower Austria
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 found her new life perspective with HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
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 sewing workshop at HOPE FOR THE FUTURE – an ‚anchorage‘ for the trainees
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…
Future prospects through language lessons!
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…
Volunteering at Hope for the Future
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…
Joana – a trainee from HOPE FOR THE FUTURE shares her heartbreaking Story
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?…
A safe way out of an exploitative life – HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
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…
Find your unique piece now
and support with your purchase HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
Every piece is unique – individually designed and handcrafted!
„Crossbody“ 2
19,90 €
„Shake-it Flat“ 3
9,90 €
„Wallet“ 30007
10,90 €
“Crossbody”
19,90 €
Kosmetiktasche „Stop and Go“ 7
11,90 €
„Shake-it Triangle“ 2
10,90 €
„City“
41,90 €
„Wallet“ Nr. 30003
10,90 €
„Wallet“ 30006
10,90 €
„Wallet“ 30009
10,90 €
„Wallet“ 30008
10,90 €
“Wallet” Nr. 30010
10,90 €
Start your own
HOME PARTY
ARE YOU ANYWHERE NEAR VIENNA?
ORGANIZE A HOME PARTY AND PROVIDE WOMEN WITH HOPE FOR AN OCCUPATIONAL NEW BEGINNING!
Coffee hour, tea time, or simply a relaxed evening – chatting, exploring, selecting your favorite bags in a chill-out environment.Topped with a few snacks and some input about our projects in HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. And simply hanging out together.
It would be a pleasure for us to arrange such an event for you and your friends.
Inform your fellow human beings in a relaxed atmosphere and do good!
THE FOUNDER
ANDREA STAUDENHERZ
The issues of Human Trafficking and Forced Prostitution have weighed on my heart for many years. Especially ever since I watched the documentary movie Nefarious regarding those issues, the urge to do something became increasingly greater. The question was only: How can I most effectively help, what makes real sense and what would help the concerned people long-term?
For many years I have been in contact with the leader of Herzwerk, an association that specializes in streetwork in the red light environment. During those years, we exchanged ideas and now for some time, I contribute on a voluntary basis to the Herzwerk to be in touch with the women out there.
There are two important questions, which they ask for the concerned individuals, when they wish to get out of human trafficking or prostitution:
1. Where will I live? – 2. From what will I live?
After numerous conversations, it has become evident to me that there is a specific field, in which there is actually very little done for this group of persons in Austria, and it is precisely in this specific field that I want to be set up in: in the field of integration in the job market.
Even when one offers the victims the possibility to get out, they are mostly very traumatized through their experiences, they have little knowledge of the local language, and they must first become integrated slowly and step-by-step into the normal everyday life. In this task of integration, I want to provide HOPE FOR THE FUTURE as a vehicle of support.
MAIN AREAS
- Preparation for the jobmarket
- Support with the job search
- Procuration of continued education possibilities
OUR COOPERATION PARTNERS:
