Human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Belgium 2008-2021
In Belgium, the Federal Police registers a steady number of human trafficking cases for sexual exploitation. Around four to six hundred cases are reported each year. In 2021, Belgium’s Federal Police registered 433 sexual trafficking cases. By contrast, 159 economic trafficking cases were filed during that year. This difference in numbers supports the European Commission’s conclusion: nowadays, most European human trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation.
Sexual exploitation can have permanent effects on one’s quality of life. Physical health and mental health can be impacted. Regardless, Belgium compromises protecting the victims with fighting criminal organizations. The country offers victim protection in return for their collaboration with the authorities. Thus, reporting the offense is mandatory.
Human trafficking for sexual exploitation
Sexual exploitation covers crimes such as forced prostitution, forced marriage, and infantile pornography. Although men and women can be sexually exploited, this form of trafficking affects primarily women, and, regardless of gender, children. For instance, the neighboring Netherlands registered five child prostitution cases in 2020.Sexual exploitation can have permanent effects on one’s quality of life. Physical health and mental health can be impacted. Regardless, Belgium compromises protecting the victims with fighting criminal organizations. The country offers victim protection in return for their collaboration with the authorities. Thus, reporting the offense is mandatory.
