Prostitution in Ukraine is illegal but widespread and largely ignored by the government.[1] Sex tourism rose as the country attracted greater numbers of foreign tourists. [2] On January 12, 2005 the Ukrainian parliament passed tougher criminal penalties for human trafficking and coerced prostitution. However, previous laws criminalizing organized prostitution have had little effect.[2][3]
Laws criminalizing organized prostitution and penalties for human trafficking have had little effect because many convicted traffickers often do not end up serving prison time.[4]
Research by the State Institute for Family and Youth Issues indicates that, for many women, sex work has become the only adequate source of income: more than 50% of them support their children and parents.[5]
Prostitutes from Ukraine and other Eastern European and Central European countries are nicknamed "Natasha" (once an Iconic name) in Turkey and Israel.[6]
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