The article highlights the challenges faced by victims of human trafficking in Latvia, urging them to seek support from organizations like Centre Marta, which assists both male and female victims of exploitation.
The article addresses the ongoing issue of human trafficking in Latvia, particularly focusing on the victims mentioned in the so-called Epstein files. A board member of Centre Marta, which provides assistance to exploitation victims, emphasized that numerous individuals, including 89 women and 40 men, have sought help from the center over the past decade. Many of these cases involve sexual exploitation, often linked to modeling agencies, as noted by Lāce, a representative from the center.
Despite the alarming statistics and reports submitted to the police, the number of criminal cases initiated remains low. The long-standing stigma surrounding trafficking victims often leads to the perception that they consented to their exploitation. The article encourages law enforcement to recognize the patterns of abuse and support the victims in a more proactive manner. The evolving legal framework and societal attitudes towards exploitation victims have started to show some improvements over the years, but much work still lies ahead to ensure justice for these individuals.
Centre Marta is optimistic about ongoing changes in normative acts and attitudes within law enforcement agencies, as these shifts are crucial for improving the situation for trafficking victims. Nonetheless, the societal blame directed at victims persists, making it vital for organizations and authorities to work cooperatively. The appeal for support emphasizes not only the need for legal action but also a broader societal understanding of the plight of trafficking victims in Latvia, highlighting the necessity for compassionate responses to their circumstances.
