Abstract:
This is a scholarly analysis of
the epidemiological criminology
measures applied by South Africa
to combat human trafficking of
women and girls for involuntary
prostitution. It comprises a
description of the range of services
provided by South African and
international organizations and
institutions responding to human
trafficking of women and girls for
involuntary prostitution. Firstly, the
sources of information collected
to assemble this paper are
described. Secondly, the theoretical
framework of epi-criminology and
the conceptual framework of
human trafficking for involuntary
prostitution are explained. Thirdly,
criminological and public health
challenges facing South Africa are
discussed briefly as factors giving
rise to human trafficking of young
women and girls for involuntary
prostitution. The fourth aspects
discussed are epi-criminological
responses, and challenges facing
South Africa when responding to
human trafficking of women and
girls are described. Although
victims of human trafficking would
still remain hidden with legislation,
in the absence of the Human
Trafficking Law South Africa
cannot determine the extent of the
crime. In addition, an ambiguous
approach to prostitution prevails
in communities and among
South African Police Service (SAPS)
officers. Furthermore, it is possible
that poverty alleviation programmes
aimed at mediating poverty
and unemployment challenges may
not be reaching the targeted
populations. To conclude, an
emphasis on a multi-faceted
approach to address human
trafficking of women and girls is
advised. South Africa is currently
applying a prevention, protection of
victims, and prosecution of
traffickers approach to respond to
human trafficking of girls for
involuntary prostitution.
