Coalition Against Trafficking in Women: Perspectives and Policy
Founded in 1988 by feminists, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is an organization rooted in a radical feminist framework. The group focuses on the eradication of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, operating from the belief that certain sexual industries are inherently violent and a violation of human dignity.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1988 by feminists.
- Core Belief: All forms of prostitution are viewed as violence against women and children.
- Policy Goal: Implementation of the "Nordic Model" globally.
- Scope of Exploitation: Includes prostitution, pornography, sex tourism, mail-order bride selling, sexual harassment, rape, incest, and battery.
- Opponents: Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, UNAIDS, and the World Health Organization.
Defining Trafficking and Exploitation
CATW employs a broad definition of trafficking that encompasses all forms of prostitution involving women or children. Unlike some other advocacy groups, CATW rejects the distinction between "forced" and "voluntary" prostitution, arguing that the act itself is a violation of dignity regardless of perceived consent.
Beyond prostitution, the organization opposes pornography, sex tourism, and the selling of mail-order brides. On its official platform, CATW categorizes sexual exploitation to include a wide range of abuses, such as battery, incest, rape, and sexual harassment.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Nordic Model of Legislation
To combat sexual exploitation, CATW advocates for a specific legal framework known as the Nordic Model (or the "Swedish Model"). This approach seeks to shift the legal burden away from the provider and toward the buyer and facilitator.
Under this model, the proposed legal structure is as follows:
- Decriminalized: The selling of sexual acts.
- Criminalized: The buying of sexual acts, pimping, brothel-keeping, and trafficking.
This model has been implemented in several jurisdictions, including Sweden, Norway, Iceland, France, Israel, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, partly due to lobbying by CATW-affiliated activists. While CATW views these laws as successful, international bodies such as the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch challenge this efficacy, instead supporting the full decriminalization of sex work.
| Perspective | View on Selling Sex | View on Buying Sex | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATW (Nordic Model) | Decriminalized | Criminalized | Abolition of prostitution |
| HRW / Amnesty / WHO | Decriminalized | Decriminalized | Full decriminalization of sex work |
Criticisms and Controversies
CATW's ideological stance has led to significant criticism from various sectors. Opponents describe the group as a "neo-abolitionist lobby group," claiming their practices represent a carceral feminist approach—one that relies on the criminal justice system in a way that may oppress marginalized communities and ignore intersectional structural inequalities.
Specific accusations have been leveled against the organization regarding its portrayal of victims. Alison Murray has accused CATW of racism, suggesting the organization creates an "erotic pathetic stereotype of the Asian prostitute," which may fuel "trafficking hysteria" among middle-class women.
Furthermore, CATW has faced scrutiny for its collaborations. The organization has worked with anti-trans groups, such as Women's Declaration International (WDI). This connection is evidenced by the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Girls in Latin America and the Caribbean signing the WDI manifesto, as well as regional director Teresa Ulloa and scholar Sheila Jeffreys linking their work with WDI.
Social and Educational Goals
Beyond legislative lobbying, CATW claims to reject state policies that push women into conditions of sexual exploitation. The organization advocates for the provision of employment opportunities and education designed to enhance the status and worth of women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of CATW?
CATW aims to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation by viewing all forms of prostitution as violence against women and children and lobbying for laws that criminalize the purchase of sex.
What is the "Nordic Model" advocated by CATW?
The Nordic Model is a legal approach that decriminalizes the person selling sexual services while criminalizing the buyer, the pimp, and the operator of a brothel.
Which countries have implemented the Nordic Model?
This model has been adopted in Sweden, Norway, Iceland, France, Israel, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.
Who opposes CATW's approach to sex work?
Major international organizations including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, UNAIDS, and the World Health Organization oppose the Nordic Model, advocating instead for full decriminalization.
What are the main criticisms against CATW?
Critics argue that CATW employs a carceral feminist approach that marginalizes vulnerable communities, ignores intersectional inequalities, and promotes racial stereotypes regarding Asian women in sex work.