A recent study by Cristina Sanchez of the Tu Mujer association with sponsorship from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveals that over the past five decades Dominican women have migrated to 66 countries where they practice prostitution. The research showed that poverty, gender violence, family obligations and inability to make a decent living in the home country have motivated Dominicans to migrate in search of better living conditions. The study includes testimonies from 25 victims of commercial sexual exploitation and women trafficking. Their experiences are compared to 450 cases of other nationalities analyzed over the past decade. As reported, in their home country the women had worked in the home or were self-employed in other activities, but when traveling abroad they were subject to commercial sexual exploitation. The study revealed the existence of networks and organizations that are dedicated to illicit trafficking of immigrants and forced exploitation in clandestine factories, housekeeping, forced marriages, farming, begging, international sex trade, without receiving income for their work. The report says many die or are permanently affected. The research says that the women and young girls are attracted all around the country and taken to the most diverse destinations to be subjected to forced sexual exploitation. The study urges the government to make funds available for the implementation of the National Action Plan Against People Trafficking and Illicit Trafficking of Immigrants 2009-2014 aimed at focusing on prevention and creating synergies with civil society, communities and vulnerable populations.
www.elnacional.com.do/nacional/2013/4/2/155327/ONU-dice-RD-es-pais-con-mas-prostitutas
www.listin.com.do/la-republica/2013/4/2/271624/Estudio-revela-dominicanas-se-han-prostituido-en-al-menos-66-paises
www.hoy.com.do/el-pais/2013/4/2/474075/24-dominicanas-traficadas-sufren-explotacion-sexual
www.diariolibre.com/noticias/2013/04/03/i377657_las-mujeres-victimas-trata-empeoran-tras-regreso.html