This March, AWiB Connects at the Hilton in a World Cafe Style event on the topic ‘Deliver us from Evil: The Faceless Rapist’ where AWiB members will engage on the burning topic of rape and sexual violence. This paper explores how to deconstruct the theory of modern sexual slavery which has been an unfortunately widespread global problem with the increase of human migration and trafficking.

Modern sexual slavery is a form of human exploitation in which individuals, predominantly women and children, are coerced, deceived, or forced into sexual servitude. Unlike traditional forms of slavery, which were often state-sanctioned and legally recognized, modern sexual slavery operates within illicit networks, fueled by organized crime, economic desperation, and systemic gender inequality. It thrives in both developed and developing countries, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Sexual slavery takes many forms, including forced prostitution, sex trafficking, and coerced participation in pornography. Victims often find themselves trapped through a combination of physical confinement, psychological manipulation, and economic dependency. Many are abducted, sold by traffickers, or deceived with promises of legitimate employment, only to be forced into sexual exploitation upon arrival at their destination. Others are born into cycles of poverty and violence, making them more susceptible to coercion and abuse.

The scope of modern sexual slavery is vast, affecting individuals across borders, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to estimates by the International Labour Organization (ILO), millions of individuals are currently trapped in forced sexual exploitation, generating billions of dollars in illegal profits annually. The growth of technology and the internet has further expanded the reach of sexual slavery, enabling traffickers to recruit, exploit, and control victims remotely. Online marketplaces facilitate the buying and selling of individuals, and the dark web provides anonymity to predators seeking to profit from sexual exploitation.

Human Trafficking, Forced Prostitution, and Systemic Exploitation

Modern sexual slavery is deeply intertwined with human trafficking, forced prostitution, and systemic exploitation. Human trafficking is the process through which individuals are recruited, transported, and coerced into various forms of forced labor, including sexual exploitation. The United Nations defines human trafficking as the “recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat, force, coercion, fraud, or deception for the purpose of exploitation.” While trafficking can involve other forms of forced labor, such as domestic servitude and agricultural work, a significant portion of victims are trafficked for sexual purposes.

Forced prostitution is one of the most common manifestations of human trafficking. Unlike consensual sex work, forced prostitution occurs when individuals are coerced, threatened, or manipulated into selling sex against their will. Many victims are controlled through debt bondage, where they are forced to “repay” a fabricated debt to their traffickers through sexual services. Others are subjected to extreme violence, drug dependency, and psychological abuse to ensure compliance. The distinction between sex work and forced prostitution is crucial, as traffickers often exploit legal gray areas to continue their operations under the guise of consensual work.

Systemic exploitation plays a fundamental role in sustaining sexual slavery. Economic instability, gender discrimination, and weak law enforcement create conditions in which traffickers can operate with impunity. Many victims come from impoverished backgrounds where opportunities for education and employment are limited, making them vulnerable to traffickers who promise them a better future. Women and girls, in particular, face increased risks due to patriarchal structures that devalue their autonomy and economic potential. In some societies, deeply entrenched cultural beliefs normalize the commodification of female bodies, reinforcing the demand for sexual exploitation.

Additionally, corporate industries, such as the global pornography business, entertainment industry, and even elements of the tourism sector, have been linked to the perpetuation of sexual slavery. Some trafficked individuals are forced into making pornography, which is then distributed online, generating profit for criminal networks. In major cities, sex tourism flourishes as a lucrative industry, with brothels and illicit businesses catering to foreign clientele. Governments and corporations often turn a blind eye to these activities, further enabling the cycle of abuse.

Corruption within law enforcement and judicial systems also facilitates sexual slavery. In many countries, traffickers bribe officials to evade arrest or prosecution. Victims who attempt to escape frequently face legal barriers, including criminalization for prostitution or lack of recognition as trafficking survivors. Even when rescued, many survivors receive inadequate support, with few rehabilitation programs available to help them reintegrate into society.

Ultimately, the connection between human trafficking, forced prostitution, and systemic exploitation reveals a deeply rooted crisis that extends beyond individual perpetrators. It is a global, multi-faceted issue that requires coordinated legal, economic, and social interventions. Addressing modern sexual slavery demands a shift in how societies view and combat exploitation, from enforcing stricter laws against traffickers to dismantling cultural norms that enable the abuse of vulnerable populations. Without systemic change, millions will continue to suffer in silence, trapped in a cycle of exploitation with no means of escape.

Historical Context of Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery has existed for millennia, adapting to different historical, social, and economic structures. Throughout history, enslaved individuals, particularly women, have been subjected to sexual exploitation, often as an institutionalized practice tied to warfare, economic systems, and imperial expansion. Understanding the historical context of sexual slavery reveals how deeply embedded this issue is in global power dynamics and how it has evolved into modern forms of exploitation.

Sexual Slavery in Ancient Civilizations and Wartime Contexts

In ancient civilizations, sexual slavery was a common consequence of war and conquest. Women and girls from defeated societies were often captured and forced into servitude by victors. In ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, enslaved women were frequently used for sexual purposes, either in private households or state-run brothels. The practice continued through the Middle Ages, with Viking raiders, Mongol armies, and feudal lords engaging in the abduction and exploitation of women as war booty. This pattern persisted well into the modern era, where wartime sexual slavery—such as the use of “comfort women” by the Japanese military during World War II—remained a systematic practice.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Exploitation of Women

During the transatlantic slave trade (16th–19th centuries), enslaved African women faced brutal sexual exploitation. Many were subjected to rape by their owners, forced breeding, and trafficking in sexual markets. Plantation societies in the Americas institutionalized sexual slavery, treating enslaved women as both laborers and objects of sexual violence. White slaveholders often used sexual violence as a tool of dominance, reinforcing racial hierarchies and ensuring control over enslaved populations.

Colonialism, Imperialism, and the Commodification of Bodies

Colonial powers perpetuated sexual slavery through imperial expansion. In colonized regions of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, European settlers and soldiers exploited local women, often forcing them into concubinage or brothel systems. The commodification of indigenous women’s bodies was justified through racist ideologies that depicted them as inferior or hypersexualized. In many cases, colonial authorities sanctioned or ignored the sexual violence committed by their own officials, exacerbating gender-based oppression.

The Evolution of Sexual Slavery into Modern Forms

As slavery was officially abolished in the 19th and 20th centuries, sexual slavery did not disappear but rather transformed. The rise of industrialization, urbanization, and global markets facilitated new forms of exploitation, including sex trafficking and forced prostitution. The legal abolition of slavery often failed to dismantle the economic and social structures that allowed sexual exploitation to thrive. Today, modern sexual slavery operates through underground networks, digital platforms, and coercive economic systems that continue to trap millions of individuals worldwide. While the methods and justifications have evolved, the core dynamic of sexual slavery—treating human beings as commodities for profit and power—remains unchanged.

Modern Manifestations of Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery has not disappeared but has evolved into complex, modern forms that exploit systemic vulnerabilities, technology, and global networks. Today, human trafficking, digital exploitation, economic instability, and organized crime all contribute to the continued subjugation of millions of individuals worldwide.

Human Trafficking and the Global Sex Trade

Human trafficking is one of the most widespread forms of modern sexual slavery. Victims, often lured with false promises of employment or a better life, are coerced into the commercial sex trade. The United Nations estimates that millions of people, primarily women and children, are trafficked annually, fueling a multi-billion-dollar industry. Many victims endure physical abuse, psychological manipulation, and economic bondage that make escape nearly impossible.

Online Exploitation: Digital Trafficking and Cyber Sex Slavery

The internet has transformed sexual slavery, enabling traffickers to reach victims and clients with unprecedented ease. Online platforms are used to recruit, advertise, and exploit victims, often under the guise of escort services or social media connections. Cyber sex slavery, where individuals—sometimes minors—are forced to perform sexual acts via live streaming for paying customers, has become a growing concern. The anonymity of digital spaces makes it difficult to track and prosecute offenders.

The Intersection of Poverty, Migration, and Vulnerability

Economic desperation and displacement due to conflict or natural disasters increase vulnerability to sexual slavery. Many trafficked individuals come from impoverished backgrounds or are migrants who lack legal protections in foreign countries. Without stable income or social safety nets, they become easy targets for traffickers who exploit their desperation for survival.

The Role of Organized Crime, Terrorism, and Corruption in Sustaining Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery thrives in environments where organized crime, terrorism, and corrupt governments provide protection to traffickers. Criminal networks control brothels, escort services, and trafficking rings, while terrorist organizations have used sexual slavery as a weapon of war. Corrupt officials often turn a blind eye, allowing traffickers to operate with impunity, ensuring the cycle of exploitation continues.

War, Violence and Sexual Trafficking in Ethiopia

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported on the escalating risks of human trafficking for sexual exploitation in Ethiopia’s Tigray, Afar, and Amhara regions. Prolonged armed conflict in these areas has heightened the vulnerability of women and girls, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons, to abduction and trafficking. Reports indicate that many women and children, including Eritrean refugees, have been abducted while attempting to flee to safer locations, exposing them to sexual slavery and other forms of exploitation.

The OHCHR emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent trafficking and to provide assistance and protection to all victims, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, or gender. Special attention is required for children, who are at heightened risk of sexual exploitation, especially in areas of active conflict. The report stated that immediate action needs to be taken to address these critical issues and to safeguard the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations in the conflict-affected regions of Ethiopia. 

Additionally, thousands of women are trafficked from rural towns to the city Addis Ababa for domestic labor often facing sexual violence and slavery. They also migrate due to the lack of peace where they reside or looking for a better life.  

Socioeconomic and Political Factors Sustaining Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery persists due to deep-rooted socioeconomic and political structures that enable exploitation. Patriarchal norms, economic inequality, legal failures, and the complicity of powerful industries all contribute to the continuation of this form of modern slavery.

The Influence of Patriarchy and Gender-Based Oppression

Patriarchal societies perpetuate sexual slavery by normalizing the objectification and subjugation of women and marginalized genders. Gender-based violence, societal expectations, and cultural norms that prioritize male dominance create an environment where exploitation is tolerated or ignored. In many regions, women and girls have limited autonomy over their bodies, making them more vulnerable to coercion and trafficking.

Economic Disparity and the Exploitation of Marginalized Communities

Poverty is a significant driver of sexual slavery, particularly for women, children, and marginalized communities. Individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds often lack access to education, employment, and basic human rights, making them easy targets for traffickers. Many victims are forced into sexual slavery out of economic necessity, with traffickers exploiting their desperation. Additionally, systemic discrimination against racial, ethnic, and indigenous groups further exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation.

The Failure of Legal and Law Enforcement Systems

Weak legal frameworks and ineffective law enforcement allow traffickers and exploiters to operate with minimal consequences. In many countries, anti-trafficking laws are either poorly enforced or nonexistent, and survivors face significant barriers to justice. Corruption among police, judiciary, and government officials further enables traffickers, as bribes and political influence shield perpetrators from prosecution.

The Complicity of Industries: Tourism, Pornography, and Entertainment

Industries such as tourism, pornography, and entertainment have long been linked to sexual slavery. Sex tourism thrives in destinations where law enforcement is weak, while parts of the pornography industry profit from trafficked individuals. The entertainment industry also plays a role by glamorizing hypersexualization and reinforcing exploitative narratives, further normalizing the commodification of human bodies.

Psychological and Societal Consequences of Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery has devastating consequences, not only for survivors but also for families, communities, and society at large. The trauma inflicted on victims extends far beyond physical harm, often leading to long-term psychological distress, social stigma, and systemic barriers to recovery. Additionally, the normalization of sexual exploitation in media and culture further perpetuates cycles of abuse.

Psychological Trauma and Long-Term Effects on Survivors

Survivors of sexual slavery often suffer from severe psychological conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and dissociation. Many experience suicidal thoughts, emotional numbness, and difficulty forming relationships due to prolonged exposure to violence and coercion. The manipulation and abuse endured leave lasting scars, making recovery a lifelong process. Without proper psychological support, survivors struggle to reclaim their autonomy and sense of self.

Stigma, Victim-Blaming, and Barriers to Reintegration

Victims of sexual slavery frequently face social stigma and victim-blaming, which hinders their ability to reintegrate into society. Instead of receiving compassion and support, they are often perceived as complicit in their exploitation, particularly in cultures with rigid gender norms. This blame can result in rejection from families, loss of employment opportunities, and even legal repercussions, further marginalizing survivors and limiting their chances of rebuilding their lives.

The Impact on Families and Communities

Sexual slavery does not only affect individuals; it disrupts families and entire communities. Families of victims often endure emotional distress, financial hardship, and social alienation. In some cases, the trauma is intergenerational, with children of survivors facing instability and psychological distress due to their parent’s experiences. Communities also suffer, as trafficking networks and sexual exploitation contribute to crime, economic disparity, and social breakdown.

Societal Normalization and Media Representation of Sexual Exploitation

Media and entertainment industries play a significant role in shaping public perception of sexual slavery. The glamorization of prostitution, the objectification of women, and the eroticization of coercion contribute to a culture that trivializes exploitation. Popular media often fails to highlight the realities of trafficking and abuse, making it harder for society to recognize and combat sexual slavery effectively.

Strategies for Combating Modern Sexual Slavery

Combating modern sexual slavery requires a multifaceted approach, addressing the root causes, providing support to survivors, and creating systems that prevent exploitation. A combination of legal reforms, survivor-centered approaches, education, and grassroots activism can build a robust framework for eliminating sexual slavery globally.

Legal Reforms and International Policy Efforts

One of the most crucial strategies for combating sexual slavery is the strengthening of legal frameworks and international cooperation. Governments must implement and enforce strong anti-trafficking laws, holding traffickers and exploiters accountable. International treaties, such as the United Nations’ Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, supplement domestic laws by facilitating cross-border collaboration. Legal reforms should also focus on ensuring that survivors are treated as victims rather than criminals, providing them with protection and legal rights.

Survivor-Centered Approaches: Rehabilitation, Empowerment, and Reintegration

Survivors of sexual slavery require comprehensive care, including physical, psychological, and social support. Survivor-centered approaches focus on rehabilitation, offering trauma-informed therapy, medical care, and legal assistance to help victims reclaim their autonomy. Empowerment programs—such as vocational training and education—enable survivors to rebuild their lives and achieve economic independence. Reintegration into society should be supported by community-based programs that help survivors reconnect with their families and communities in a safe and dignified manner.

The Role of Education and Awareness in Prevention

Prevention is critical in reducing the risk of sexual slavery, and education is a powerful tool in raising awareness. Public awareness campaigns can educate communities about the dangers of human trafficking and exploitation, particularly in vulnerable populations. Schools and community organizations must teach young people about their rights, healthy relationships, and recognizing warning signs of trafficking. Additionally, awareness campaigns targeting potential clients of the sex trade can deter demand and reduce the normalization of exploitation.

Community Action, Activism, and Grassroots Movements

Grassroots movements and community action play an essential role in combating sexual slavery. Local organizations and activists can engage in outreach, create safe spaces for survivors, and advocate for systemic changes within their communities. Mobilizing communities to recognize and report signs of trafficking can disrupt exploitation networks, while organizing for stronger legal protections and social services helps build more resilient societies.

Conclusion

Sexual slavery, a pervasive form of modern enslavement, remains a global crisis with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and entire societies. By examining its historical context, modern manifestations, socioeconomic and political factors, psychological consequences, and strategies for combating this human rights violation, it is evident that sexual slavery is not a problem confined to specific regions or cultures but a deeply ingrained issue that crosses borders and generations. To break the chains of sexual slavery, a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is necessary, one that deconstructs the rape culture that sustains this exploitation.

Historically, sexual slavery has roots in ancient civilizations and wartime contexts, where women and marginalized groups were subjected to sexual violence and coerced servitude. The transatlantic slave trade further exacerbated these abuses, commodifying the bodies of women and girls, whose exploitation continued under colonialism and imperialism. In the modern world, these patterns have evolved, manifesting in global human trafficking networks, forced prostitution, and the digital landscape of online exploitation. With increasing poverty, political instability, and migration, vulnerable populations face heightened risks of exploitation. Additionally, organized crime, terrorism, and corruption play pivotal roles in sustaining these illicit activities.

Sexual slavery cannot be understood in isolation from the broader societal forces that enable it. Patriarchy and gender-based oppression create a culture where women and marginalized genders are treated as commodities, which facilitates their exploitation. Economic disparity further fuels the cycle of trafficking, as impoverished individuals are often lured by promises of a better life, only to be trapped in a cycle of abuse. Legal and law enforcement systems often fail to provide adequate protection, enabling traffickers to operate with relative impunity. The complicity of industries like tourism, pornography, and entertainment only serves to normalize and perpetuate exploitation, making it difficult to eradicate the problem at its core.

The psychological and societal consequences of sexual slavery are devastating. Survivors often carry long-term trauma, struggling with mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Stigma and victim-blaming compound their suffering, hindering reintegration into society and perpetuating cycles of abuse. Families and communities also bear the burden, with the trauma of exploitation impacting generations. In addition, the media plays a role in normalizing exploitation, often glamorizing or trivializing the realities of sexual slavery, making it harder for society to recognize and address this crisis.

However, there is hope. Strategies for combating sexual slavery are multifaceted and must involve legal reforms, survivor-centered approaches, prevention through education, and grassroots activism. Legal reforms at both national and international levels can hold traffickers accountable and protect survivors. Survivor-centered approaches that focus on rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration can help victims rebuild their lives and regain autonomy. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial in preventing exploitation, while community-based actions and activism can create the necessary societal shifts to challenge and dismantle the systems that sustain sexual slavery.

In conclusion, breaking the chains of sexual slavery requires a global, unified effort to deconstruct rape culture, address systemic inequalities, and empower survivors. By recognizing the deep connections between exploitation, gender inequality, and social injustice, we can work toward a world where sexual slavery is no longer tolerated, and all individuals can live free from violence and exploitation. It is time for society to take collective responsibility and break these chains for good.

Learn more about the topic by being a part of AWiB Connects @ the Hilton: March Program on March 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM at Hilton Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

References 

1. Sex-Slavery in the Contemporary World, Malenka de Lamotte and Dietrich Brandt, IFCA, https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/314898/1-s2.0-S1474667016X60442/1-s2.0-S1474667016342197/main.pdf 
2. Sex Trafficking, End Slavery Now https://www.endslaverynow.org/learn/slavery-today/sex-trafficking 
3. Ethiopia: Critical moment to strengthen fight against trafficking in the Tigray, Afar, and Amhara, UN OHCHR, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/10/ethiopia-critical-moment-strengthen-fight-against-trafficking-tigray-afar 
4. Understanding the psychological effects of sex trafficking to inform service delivery, Forced Migration Review, https://www.fmreview.org/issue64/mcquaid/ 
5. Trafficking And Sex Slavery, WomenWin, https://guides.womenwin.org/srhr/the-issues/rights/trafficking-and-sex-slavery 
6. Combating Modern Slavery, ActionAid, https://actionaid.org/combatting-modern-slavery