Sexual exploitation in the context of human trafficking

Sexual exploitation in trafficking refers to the use of a person for sexual activities from which another person profits, including exploitation of prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, obtained through coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or similar means.

Loverboy-Methode

The “Loverboy” method refers to a recruitment and control strategy used in human trafficking in which a perpetrator (often a man) deliberately establishes a seemingly romantic relationship with a usually young girl or woman in order to create emotional dependency, trust, and attachment.

Once dependency is established, the perpetrator manipulates, coerces, or pressures the victim into sexual exploitation, typically for financial gain.

The “Loverboy” method is not a separate criminal offence, but a modus operandi that falls within the legal definition of trafficking in human beings when the required legal elements are met.

Read more: europol.europa.eu

Prostitution

In EU trafficking law, prostitution becomes criminally relevant when there is exploitation of the prostitution of others, meaning a third party profits from or controls a person’s prostitution through coercion, abuse of vulnerability, or similar means.

Pornography

Pornography in the trafficking context refers to the production, distribution or use of sexual content involving a trafficked person for the purpose of sexual exploitation and profit. It is covered under “other forms of sexual exploitation.”

Online exploitation

Online exploitation refers to the use of digital platforms, online services or communication technologies to recruit, control, advertise, exploit or profit from victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Sexual slavery or practices similar to slavery

Sexual slavery is a situation where a person is exercised over with powers attaching to ownership, including control over movement and sexual autonomy, for sexual exploitation. Practices similar to slavery include severe forms of control and exploitation equivalent to ownership.

Signs and Indicators of Sexual Exploitation

Indicators of sexual exploitation are observable signs suggesting a person may be under control, coercion, or exploitation for sexual purposes, such as restriction of movement, fear, dependency, confiscation of documents, or evidence of sexual abuse. EU law requires mechanisms for early identification and referral of victims.