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On July 30, the world commemorates World Day Against Human Trafficking, a date that highlights the serious issue that persists globally and notably affects Spain. In this context, the NGO Fiet, dedicated to combating human trafficking for sexual exploitation, reported that in 2024 they assisted 1,566 women, representing a 46% increase compared to the previous year.
Spain has established itself as one of the main transit and destination countries for women who are victims of trafficking in Europe. According to the Ministry of the Interior, last year, security forces rescued 1,794 individuals from trafficking or exploitation networks, marking a 22% increase compared to 2023, with the majority of victims being women involved in prostitution.
The NGO Fiet, through its “Rescue and Restore” project, provides comprehensive support to the victims, which includes psychological, health, and legal assistance, as well as help with job placement. The organization operates in five autonomous communities: Madrid, Galicia, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community, and Melilla. In 2024, Fiet distributed 3,655 kits of essential needs to women from 34 different nationalities, primarily from Latin America.
The profile of the women assisted reflects an increase in the participation of Spanish nationals, with a 46% rise in 2024. Most are in the 30 to 40 age range and come from complex migratory backgrounds. Despite having academic training, many are driven towards exploitation due to a lack of opportunities in their home countries.
The actions of the National Police and the Civil Guard have been significant, conducting 419 operations that resulted in the arrest of 966 individuals and the dismantling of 110 criminal networks dedicated to trafficking. During this period, 256 women were rescued from sexual trafficking situations, including five minors.
The situation of women in prostitution in Spain is alarming, with estimates indicating that up to 114,576 could be involved, many at risk of sexual exploitation. Fiona Bellshaw, director of institutional relations at Fiet, emphasizes the urgency of raising awareness about this issue, warning that many women live under coercive and violent conditions.
The Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo, has announced that in September 2025, a draft abolitionist law on prostitution will be presented, aiming to penalize buyers and those who benefit from these practices. Additionally, work is underway on a comprehensive law against trafficking, focused on collaboration with third-sector entities.
Beyond the data and interventions, trafficking and sexual exploitation are structural realities that require significant social change. Fiet calls for collective awareness, stressing that “ending trafficking requires more than just more laws or more police; it requires transforming the social model that normalizes the purchase of bodies.”
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via: MiMub in Spanish
