Behind the scenes: human trafficking and prostitution in Cologne

Behind the scenes: human trafficking and prostitution in Cologne

A Jordanian shadow imposes over Germany! Young women from abroad fall in rows in rows. Angela Fischer, the passionate contact person of the salvation army in anti -human traffic, gives us alarming insights into the dark world of the brothels. It is a frightening truth: the victims are often women from Eastern European countries who leave their homes in the hope of a better life.

The dramatic stories often begin in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. Especially after the war in Ukraine, the number of Ukrainian women who come to Germany has increased significantly. Human dealers take advantage of what is available to them and bait their victims with tempting job offers as waitresses or maids. "Especially women from the country greedily grab this straw," warns Fischer. They leave everything behind - often even their children - and get into a trap from which there is no escape.

The fraudulent way to dependency

How are these defenseless women lured into the catch of the crime? The perfidious loverboy method is a particularly cruel stitch. An alleged dream man who presents love leads the women into a whirlpool of dependencies. "The women go to Germany with the man," explains Fischer, and with that begins their nightmare.

Reality looks bleak: the women end up in prostitution where they have to act under the radar of the authorities. They are at the mercy of the pains, who mercilessly interact with the clients and sack the money. The passport of women is taken away from them - as a deposit for the alleged travel expenses. Drugs and alcohol round off the picture and take the last control over their lives to women.

public danger and personal tragedy

What does women stop contact the police? They are often caught in a labyrinth of fears and uncertainties. "Often you don't even know where you are," says Fischer. Trust about the police? None! Corruption in their home countries and threats of the pimp tightened the situation: "If you go to the police, your family suffers," will be threatened. Language barriers do the rest.

How can you help these women? The Salvation Army is active all over the world to help them in need. Fischer explains that in Germany women are actively supported in the exit from prostitution. "In Hamburg we work on site in the red light milieu." as part of the alliance "Together against human trafficking" urge the legislators to pursue the Nordic model and to do educational work in Eastern Europe.

The darkness of human trade cannot be ignored! It is a highest time to act, because the voices of those affected must not fall silent!