Prostitution in Moldova: Difference between revisions
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'''Prostitution in Moldova''' is an illegal activity but is widespread<ref name="welcome">{{cite web |url= https://www.welcome-moldova.com/articles/prostitution.shtml |title= Prostitution: Prosperous Purgatory |last= Mamaliga |first= Ludmila |date= |website= Welcome Moldova |access-date= 2 December 2017 |quote= }}</ref> and socially acceptable.<ref name="guard">{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/02/anthonybrowne.theobserver |title= Drugs push scarred land to the brink |last= Browne |first= Anthony |date= 2 December 2001 |website= The Guardian |access-date= 1 December 2017 |quote= }}</ref> [[UNAIDS]] estimate there to be 12,000 prostitutes in the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sex workers: Population size estimate - Number, 2016 |url=http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/gam/stock/shared/dv/PivotData_2018_7_22_636678151733621264.htm |website=www.aidsinfoonline.org |publisher=UNAIDS |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604174922/http://www.aidsinfoonline.org/gam/stock/shared/dv/PivotData_2018_7_22_636678151733621264.htm |archive-date=4 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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Morals Police captain Vladimir Istrati is quoted as saying "Prostitution in Moldova is a very well organised crime, there is a precise structure of operation which includes secretary, office and owner." The secretary is hard to file evidence against because they are most likely to conceal their true activity behind offering exotic services over the phone. Nailing down [[prostitutes]] and [[pimps]] is easier."<ref name="welcome" /> |
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[[Prostitution]] in [[Transnistria]] is punishable only by a fine, but there is no such clause as in the Moldovan legislation. |
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==Local names== |
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Prostitutes in Moldova are known locally by a variety of names:<ref name="welcome" /> |
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* ''Stradă'' (street worker) - work on the street, often drug addicts or alcoholics |
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* ''Scaun'' (stool) - work in bars and restaurants |
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* ''Lumânare'' (candle) - stand on the side of main roads |
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* ''Călători'' (travellers) - accompany car and truck drivers on journeys |
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* ''Prostituate cu acoperiș'' (prostitutes with a roof) - indoor workers |
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* ''Interdevochka'' (intergirls) - work in upmarket hotels, usually entertaining foreign clients |
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* ''NocinaiaBabocika'' (nightworkers) - work only at night for a very big amount of money |
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==History== |
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Prostitution in Moldova was first recorded in the 2nd century BC. In the 19th century there is evidence of [[pimps]] being involved.<ref name="welcome" /> |
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The trade's existence was initially denied during the [[Soviet]] era and then prohibited July 27 1987. |
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Until May 31, 2009, punishment was a fine or administrative arrest for up to 30 days, the administrative arrest was then replaced by unpaid work for a period of 20 to 40 hours. |
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On December 29, 2005, it was decided that sanctions would not apply to victims of trafficking; The new law "On Offences" gave this rule a broader wording: "a person engaging in prostitution contrary to their will". |
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==Sex trafficking== |
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Since it is Europe's poorest country, it is a major exporter of human trafficking for the purpose of the sex trade.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100573.htm|title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova|author=|date=11 March 2008|website=U.S. Department of State|access-date=2 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/flash_point/001moldova/|title=Moldova: the price of sex|author=|date=|website=pbs.org|access-date=2 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/653 |title=Moldova: Lower prices behind sex slavery boom and child prostitution |author= |date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501093606/http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/653 |archive-date=May 1, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A20602-2002Nov6?language=printer|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530064722/http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A20602-2002Nov6?language=printer|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 May 2012|title=In Struggling Moldova, Desperation Drives Decisions|author=|date=|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3243679.stm|title=Trafficking troubles poor Moldova|author=Angus Roxburgh |date=7 November 2003|publisher=BBC News|access-date=2 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/1745|title=Moldovan sex slaves released in U.K. human trafficking raids|author=|date=|website=tiraspoltimes.com|access-date=10 October 2017|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501150350/http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/1745|archive-date=1 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/02/anthonybrowne.theobserver|title=Drugs push scarred land to the brink|author=Anthony Browne|date=2 December 2001|website=the Guardian|access-date=2 November 2015}}</ref> |
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The [[CIA]] names human trafficking as one of the major crime issues of Moldova.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/moldova/ CIA World factbook: Moldova]</ref> Human traffickers primarily recruit women from poor villages.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite news|last=Roxburgh |first=Angus |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3243679.stm |title=Europe | Trafficking troubles poor Moldova |publisher=BBC News |date=2003-11-07 |access-date=2010-03-31}}</ref> Women and children are trafficked for sexual exploitation to Turkey, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Russia, Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, France, Italy, and Portugal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eur/119093.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226175523/http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/eur/119093.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-02-26 |title=2008 Human Rights Report: Moldova |publisher=State.gov |date=2009-02-25 |access-date=2010-03-31}}</ref> The [[United States' Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|annual country human rights report]] from the [[United States Department of State]] pinpoints some involvement by government officials and Moldovan law enforcement in human trafficking.<ref name="state" /> |
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The [[United States Department of State]] issued a report in 2006 on [[human rights in Moldova|human rights violations in Moldova]]<ref name="state">[https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61664.htm Moldova: 2005 country report on human rights practices]</ref> stating: |
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<blockquote> |
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"The country was a major country of origin for women and children trafficked abroad for forced prostitution and men and children who were trafficked to Russia and neighboring countries for forced labor and begging. The country was also a transit country for victims trafficked from Ukraine to Romania. Women and girls were trafficked to Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Hungary, and the Balkan countries for prostitution. NGOs reported recent cases of victims trafficked to Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Women and girls reportedly were trafficked to Italy and Greece through Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, and Albania. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), victims have increasingly been directed to Asia, Russia, Turkey, Western Europe, and the Middle East. The IOM reported that the country was the main origin in Europe for women and children trafficked for forced prostitution." |
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</blockquote> |
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The authorities have tried to lead awareness among the population about the extent of this problem, and during the early 2000s the authorities launched numerous information campaigns. One consisted of billboards in the streets of the capital [[Chişinău]] depicting a girl gripped in a huge clenched fist and being exchanged for dollars. The caption read: "You are not for sale".<ref name="autogenerated3"/> |
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E. Benjamin Skinner in his book "A Crime So Monstrous", on page 156, speculates that between 1991 and 2008, up to 400,000 women were trafficked from Moldova. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.havocscope.com/400000-women-sold-into-human-trafficking-from-moldova/| title= 400000 women sold into human trafficking from Moldova}}</ref> |
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The [[United States Department of State]] [[Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons]] ranks Moldova as a '[[Trafficking in Persons Report#Ranking System|Tier 2]]' country.<ref name="state18">{{cite web |title=Moldova 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report |url=https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2018/282710.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729171043/https://www.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/countries/2018/282710.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2018 |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=26 July 2018}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
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* [[Prostitution in the Soviet Union]] |
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* [[Prostitution in Romania]] |
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* [[Prostitution in Transnistria]] |
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* [[Prostitution in Ukraine]] |
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==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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{{Europe in topic|Prostitution in}} |
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[[Category:Prostitution by country|Moldova]] |
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[[Category:Society of Moldova]] |
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[[Category:Women's rights in Moldova]] |
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Latest revision as of 07:21, 8 July 2024
Prostitution in Moldova is an illegal activity but is widespread[1] and socially acceptable.[2] UNAIDS estimate there to be 12,000 prostitutes in the country.[3]
Morals Police captain Vladimir Istrati is quoted as saying "Prostitution in Moldova is a very well organised crime, there is a precise structure of operation which includes secretary, office and owner." The secretary is hard to file evidence against because they are most likely to conceal their true activity behind offering exotic services over the phone. Nailing down prostitutes and pimps is easier."[1]
Prostitution in Transnistria is punishable only by a fine, but there is no such clause as in the Moldovan legislation.
Local names
[edit]Prostitutes in Moldova are known locally by a variety of names:[1]
- Stradă (street worker) - work on the street, often drug addicts or alcoholics
- Scaun (stool) - work in bars and restaurants
- Lumânare (candle) - stand on the side of main roads
- Călători (travellers) - accompany car and truck drivers on journeys
- Prostituate cu acoperiș (prostitutes with a roof) - indoor workers
- Interdevochka (intergirls) - work in upmarket hotels, usually entertaining foreign clients
- NocinaiaBabocika (nightworkers) - work only at night for a very big amount of money
History
[edit]Prostitution in Moldova was first recorded in the 2nd century BC. In the 19th century there is evidence of pimps being involved.[1]
The trade's existence was initially denied during the Soviet era and then prohibited July 27 1987.
Until May 31, 2009, punishment was a fine or administrative arrest for up to 30 days, the administrative arrest was then replaced by unpaid work for a period of 20 to 40 hours.
On December 29, 2005, it was decided that sanctions would not apply to victims of trafficking; The new law "On Offences" gave this rule a broader wording: "a person engaging in prostitution contrary to their will".
Sex trafficking
[edit]Since it is Europe's poorest country, it is a major exporter of human trafficking for the purpose of the sex trade.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The CIA names human trafficking as one of the major crime issues of Moldova.[11] Human traffickers primarily recruit women from poor villages.[12] Women and children are trafficked for sexual exploitation to Turkey, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Russia, Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, France, Italy, and Portugal.[13] The annual country human rights report from the United States Department of State pinpoints some involvement by government officials and Moldovan law enforcement in human trafficking.[14]
The United States Department of State issued a report in 2006 on human rights violations in Moldova[14] stating:
"The country was a major country of origin for women and children trafficked abroad for forced prostitution and men and children who were trafficked to Russia and neighboring countries for forced labor and begging. The country was also a transit country for victims trafficked from Ukraine to Romania. Women and girls were trafficked to Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, Hungary, and the Balkan countries for prostitution. NGOs reported recent cases of victims trafficked to Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Women and girls reportedly were trafficked to Italy and Greece through Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, and Albania. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), victims have increasingly been directed to Asia, Russia, Turkey, Western Europe, and the Middle East. The IOM reported that the country was the main origin in Europe for women and children trafficked for forced prostitution."
The authorities have tried to lead awareness among the population about the extent of this problem, and during the early 2000s the authorities launched numerous information campaigns. One consisted of billboards in the streets of the capital Chişinău depicting a girl gripped in a huge clenched fist and being exchanged for dollars. The caption read: "You are not for sale".[12]
E. Benjamin Skinner in his book "A Crime So Monstrous", on page 156, speculates that between 1991 and 2008, up to 400,000 women were trafficked from Moldova. [15]
The United States Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons ranks Moldova as a 'Tier 2' country.[16]
See also
[edit]- Prostitution in the Soviet Union
- Prostitution in Romania
- Prostitution in Transnistria
- Prostitution in Ukraine
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Mamaliga, Ludmila. "Prostitution: Prosperous Purgatory". Welcome Moldova. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
- ^ Browne, Anthony (2 December 2001). "Drugs push scarred land to the brink". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
- ^ "Sex workers: Population size estimate - Number, 2016". www.aidsinfoonline.org. UNAIDS. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
- ^ "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in Moldova". U.S. Department of State. 11 March 2008. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "Moldova: the price of sex". pbs.org. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "Moldova: Lower prices behind sex slavery boom and child prostitution". Archived from the original on May 1, 2008.
- ^ "In Struggling Moldova, Desperation Drives Decisions". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 30 May 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ Angus Roxburgh (7 November 2003). "Trafficking troubles poor Moldova". BBC News. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ "Moldovan sex slaves released in U.K. human trafficking raids". tiraspoltimes.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
- ^ Anthony Browne (2 December 2001). "Drugs push scarred land to the brink". the Guardian. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
- ^ CIA World factbook: Moldova
- ^ a b Roxburgh, Angus (2003-11-07). "Europe | Trafficking troubles poor Moldova". BBC News. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "2008 Human Rights Report: Moldova". State.gov. 2009-02-25. Archived from the original on 2009-02-26. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ a b Moldova: 2005 country report on human rights practices
- ^ "400000 women sold into human trafficking from Moldova".
- ^ "Moldova 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report". U.S. Department of State. Archived from the original on 29 July 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.