The Exploitation of Sex Workers in Italy
Open Access
- Author:
- Ostrowski, Brigid
- Area of Honors:
- Global and International Studies
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Maria Rosa Truglio, Thesis Supervisor
Krista Brune, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- sex work
italy
sex trafficking
prostitution - Abstract:
- This thesis will analyze the various avenues of exploitation that sex workers and victims of human trafficking who are forced into sex work experience. Chapter one describes the context of sex work in Italy, exploring the history of sex work in Italy, the contemporary legal landscape, and the deeply influential role of the catholic church in shaping public opinion. Chapter two analyzes migrant sex work, human trafficking, the prevalence of sex trafficking in sex work in Italy, and a case study on two victims of sex trafficking from Nigeria. Chapter three focuses on exploitation— the violence sex workers experience in every avenue of life— as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex workers. Chapter four goes on to analyze the four different legal models that can be implemented in Italy— legalization, criminalization, the Nordic model, and decriminalization. The argument of this thesis is that, through exploring the condition of sex workers and victims of human trafficking, we can better understand the legal model that is best suited to their needs and circumstances. Furthermore, this thesis seeks to address the issues that sex workers and victims of human trafficking face with due respect and proper consideration.