Examining Violence against Women in Situations of Human Trafficking in South-East Asia

Human trafficking is a form of violence against women (VAW) that occurs within and across borders. It involves many different actors, including families, local brokers, international criminal networks and immigration authorities, and in many cases it leads to a form of modern day slavery for the victim. Human trafficking affects the economy, political stability, law enforcement, women's rights and public health, particularly reproductive health and sexual health. Trafficking victims are also placed at greater risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Human trafficking also cuts across many fundamental issues, such as human rights, maintenance of peace and security, national development and family health, and efforts to stop it naturally involve many sectors of society. Parliamentarians, or, members of national parliaments, are one vital element that can play a significant role by virtue of their commitment to legislation. Laws are meritless without government support.