Prostitution in Russia

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Contents 1 Illegality 2 "Tochka" 3 Moscow city government actions 4 Child prostitution and the trafficking of women 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Illegality

Prostitution in Russia is illegal, but is not a serious crime. Maximum punishment for prostitution is a fine up to 2000 rub (about $75). But organizing of prostitution is a crime which can be punished by a term in prison.

[edit] "Tochka"

"Tochka" (точка) is a popular euphemism for an outdoor market for prostitutes in Moscow and other large Russian cities, a word literally meaning 'point' or 'location' in Russian. (The word "tochka" may also be used in many other contexts. Its usage is originated from the notion "a point on the map". Initially it was used in military and geologist slang to denote, e.g., a military or geologist base or other specific location. Over time its usages was expanded. For example, in Soviet drunkards' parlance, a "tochka" is a place where vodka is sold.)

Some women are forced to work as sex slaves. The decomposing bodies of 30 females were found in Russian town of Nizhny Tagil. They were kidnapped by a gang and murdered for refusal to work as prostitutes according to investigators ^[1]

[edit] Moscow city government actions

The Moscow city government has made no noticeable efforts to eliminate these markets, other than to eliminate some of the more obvious points along Tverskaya, Moscow's main avenue. Tochkas are controlled by organized criminal gangs that bribe local police departments in order to remain in business. Instead, the city police randomly check the documents of women travelling alone after dark. For this reason, prostitutes often carry a hundred rubles with which to bribe the police.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Child prostitution and the trafficking of women

A 2006 report by World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe funded by the Canadian government and supported by six United Nations agencies and the International Organization for Migration reported that the sexual exploitation of children, child trafficking and sexual violence towards minors is increasing and that Russia is becoming a new destination for child sex tourism. The report adds that some studies claim approximately 20 per cent to 25 per cent of Moscow's sex workers are minors.[1]

Russia is a major source of women trafficked globally for the purpose of sexual exploitation [2]. Russia is also a significant destination and transit country for persons trafficked for sexual and labor exploitation from regional and neighboring countries into Russia, and on to the Gulf states, Europe, Asia, and North America. The ILO estimates that 20 percent of the five million illegal immigrants in Russia are victims of forced labor, which is a form of trafficking. There were reports of trafficking of children and of child sex tourism in Russia. The Government of Russia has made some effort to combat trafficking but has also been criticised for not complying with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. [3]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Human Trafficking & Modern-day Slavery - Russia - University of Massachusetts resource
• Child prostitution - Russia - University of Massachusetts resource