The perpetrators are by no means random in their approach: They target their victims and exploit existing insecurities or family problems and use supposed empathy to gain their trust. Initial contact is made via social networks, in chats or in front of schools, for example.
Perfidious play with emotions
Once the victims are trapped emotionally, the perpetrators exert psychological pressure on them: For example, they feign financial hardship and ask the victims to have sex with third parties in exchange for money. Others quickly reveal themselves as pimps, threaten them with violence and intimidate them massively.
The young women are often no longer able to defend themselves against this oppression. What's more, they are already completely isolated at this point and no longer have any social contacts. This makes it particularly difficult for them to seek help.
This type of sexual exploitation is part of human trafficking, punishable under Section 232 of the German Criminal Code.
Help for those affected
Women often blame themselves and do not seek help out of shame. However, the perpetrator is always to blame for the situation, never the victim.
- Do not allow yourself to be persuaded to perform sexual acts for money - not even to do your partner a favor. Sexual exploitation is punishable by law.
- In an acutely threatening situation, contact the police on 110
.
- If you have already been a victim of sexual exploitation and forced prostitution, seek help from counseling centers or the police. You can file a complaint at any police station.
- Involve trusted persons or contact persons from advice centers if you do not feel comfortable going to the police alone
.
- Have possible injuries medically treated and documented.
- If you suspect that friends or siblings have been victims of a loverboy, you can contact the police or seek advice from counseling centers. Together you can discuss how your loved one can be helped.
(Source: Police crime prevention of the federal states)
Contacts and contact points
- "Information hotline for sexual abuse of children and young people" on 0800 0431 431
- "Help hotline violence against women" on 116 016
- "help hotline for sexual abuse" on 0800 2255530
- emergency call facilities, such as women's advice centers
- Women's shelters
- Equal opportunities offices at the district offices and city councils
- Victim support organizations, e.g. WEISSER RING
- Police victim protection officers
- Every police station, in particular the specialist commissioner's offices for sexual offenses
Further links
- Short film of the Federal Criminal Police Office
- https://www.polizei-beratung.de/aktuelles/detailansicht/loverboys-wenn-aus-liebe-prostitution-wird/
- https://www.polizei-beratung.de/aktuelles/detailansicht/loverboys-sexuelle-ausbeutung-im-namen-der-liebe/
- https://www.polizei-beratung.de/aktuelles/detailansicht/loverboys-zwingen-zur-prostitution/