This week Susana Trimarco was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts at ending sex trafficking in her native Argentina. After her 23 year old daughter was abducted in 2002 and forced into sexual slavery, Trimarco began a quest that has taken her into the shameful underworld of Argentina’s sex trade. Read the full story written by Emily Schmall.

It seems appropriate to re-post this review of Sibel Hodge’s novel that deals with the issue of sex trafficking.

Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex-Slave  by Sibel Hodge

Sibel Hodge paints a vivid picture of a woman caught up in a global travesty of our time: Sex-Slave Trafficking. Using the Diary format to tell Elena’s story of betrayal, helplessness, and degradation, Hodge sheds light on an industry that preys on thousands of young women every day. Using a novelist’s skill, we come to care for Elena quickly. Women readers can easily relate to Elena and how she feels caught in the trap of prostitution. The piece is gritty, but not gruesome. I read it in one sitting. It left me feeling like I wanted to DO SOMETHING, which I imagine was the reason Sibel diverted from her usual chick-lit fare to tackle a serious subject. Hopefully, the pen truly is mightier than the sword, and “Diary” will help raise awareness and action against one of the most shameful cruelties of modern times. Change begins with resolve. I admire Sibel Hodge for devoting her time and talent to keep this issue in the spotlight.

Change begins with awareness and then the decision that enough is enough. Hopefully, communities and countries will begin to decide that treating their girls as sexual commodities is not acceptable. Susana Trimarco continues searching for her daughter and her tireless battle against the darkness of the sex trade. Follow Human Traffic Watch to keep up with this global travesty against women and children.