By legalising prostitution in Malta how does this effect human trafficking of women?

Abstract

As a general rule people have intense feelings towards prostitution. This can be seen in various situations in different countries. Numerous debates have arisen about the legalisation or otherwise of Prostitution as most feminists activist groups are against it due to the objectification of women’s bodies. This is the situation which the idea of legalisation prostitution in Malta is facing. Many women’s activists believe that prostitution was a rational choice made by some women at a point in their lives when they perceived it to make sense, but this alone is not a reason why prostitution should be legalised. The situations and conditions why it made sense are endless but it is still harmful. Perceiving the rationality to be solely based on monetary pursuits is restrictive and fails to recognise the realities of female life. It rejects the risks that these women consciously took to face such realities. Facing danger, despair, back-breaking work, and heart breaking loss and loneliness are some realities of the women who forged a life by occasionally or regularly engaging in prostitution. Others believe that people should be free to choose what they want to do and that prostitution should be considered as an accepted occupation as it has various benefits including in the economy. It is important that before discussing the legalisation of prostitution states are aware of of these women's experiences if they truly want to do this to improve women's lives. Especially with an eye to whether these women are foreigners or not as this could indicate a likelihood of human trafficking and specifically of eastern women trafficked for the aim of serving as prostitutes. Prostitution and human trafficking are very connected to each other and studies in different countries show that the more prostitution is legalised the more human trafficking increases in that country. That is why this research will focus on how human trafficking in Malta will be affected through the legalisation of prostitution activities.