Sex trafficking in Singapore

Sex trafficking in Singapore is human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and slavery that occurs in the Republic of Singapore. Singapore is primarily a destination country for sexually trafficked persons.

Sex trafficking victims in the country are from all ethnic groups in Singapore and foreigners.[1] Singaporean citizens and foreigners, primarily women and girls, have been deceived,[2][3][4][1] threatened,[4] and forced into prostitution[3][5][6] and unfree labour.[3] They are often forced to wear revealing clothing and high heels.[2] Many come from poverty and have little education.[3][5] Perpetrators confiscate their passports[4] and other documents[1] and guard or lock-up the women and girls.[3] Some force them to sign phony contracts in a foreign language they cannot read.[3] Sex trafficked victims experience physically and psychologically trauma.[2][5] Abuse is prevalent[4][5] and they contract sexually transmitted diseases from rapes without condoms.[1] Malnutrition and food deprivation also occur.[1] A number have depression[4] and suicidal thoughts because of the trauma.[6] Some are coerced to become sex traffickers themselves.[5]

Sex trafficking and exploitation is pervasive throughout all levels of Singaporean society. Male and female perpetrators in Singapore come from diverse backgrounds. A number of traffickers are members of or facilitated by criminal syndicates and gangs.[7][5] Perpetrators are increasingly using websites and messaging apps to lure victims.[3]

The government of Singapore has been criticised for not having adequate victim protection efforts.[1]

Hagar International carries out anti-sex trafficking efforts in Singapore.[6]

References

1. "Study sheds light on sex trafficking in Singapore". Straits Times. February 10, 2014.
2. "How a 14-year-old girl was trafficked to Singapore and locked up". Asia One. 2017.
3. "Couple who ran Boat Quay nightclubs gets jail, fine in Singapore's first labour trafficking sentencing". cna. February 11, 2020.
4. "'She had lost all reason to live': Undoing the horrors of being trafficked to Singapore and seeking justice". cna. February 15, 2020.
5. "Sex trafficking in Singapore: How changes to the law may protect women duped into prostitution". CNA. November 10, 2019.
6. "Former sex trafficking victim recounts harrowing experience in Singapore". Yahoo News. March 8, 2017.
7. "Chinese women 'tricked into Singapore sex trade by WeChat prostitution ring'". South China Morning Post. December 4, 2018.