It is thought between 2,000 and 6,000 women and girls are trafficked into the UK alone, to work as prostitutes each year. This figure is just one tiny fraction of the real problem being faced by countries around the world when dealing with how to stop the rise in human trafficking and reduce the number of victims.

There are more slaves now than in any other time in history and the majority of them are WOMEN. Some are used illegally for hard labour, but the majority are used to service the sex industry.

Almost all the women or young girls will have had their travel documents taken from them, been systemically raped, beaten, broken down and intimidated into working as prostitutes, usually after being duped into believing they would be able to start a new life in Britain. As a result, even after women have been rescued from the traffickers, many are too frightened of reprisals on themselves or their families to talk to the police or give any substantial evidence against them in court.

After a trafficking journey that typically involves deception and constant threats, victims are often forced to live in confining and unsanitary conditions with several other equally frightened girls or in complete isolation.

Once formally put to work, victims can be forced to service from 40 to 110 customers in one day.

Malnutrition, sleep deprivation, as well as emotional and physical abuse become day-to-day normalities. In addition, forced abortions and the contraction of STI's, Hepatitis B & C, and AIDS are ever looming probabilities.

Life for a victim of sex trafficking is in short, hell on earth...

Many of these victims come from nations where poverty or lack of work make them susceptible targets for traffickers. They are promised a new life, jobs with high wages and consistent support for their loved ones and families back home. However, in reality, most women never see their loved ones again or choose not to return, even after rescue, due to overwhelming guilt, embarrassment and shame. Some develop severe mental issues or contract long term STD's which shorten their usefulness as sex workers and are therefore abandoned, left broken and confused.

Whether you are a mother, daughter, a wife or a student - an employee or employer, you CAN make a significant difference today by activating your faith and stepping out to join hands with your other precious sisters to do something risky yet rewarding. This is not a call for shrinking violets - but for those who are ready to take their place alongside the women of faith in the Bible, to push for justice and relief and abolition in our very own generation!!

Precious Women are sisters who see VALUE and PRECIOUSNESS in their sisters caught up in this depraved world of injustice. Who are willing to commit themselves to taking action by being a voice where their sisters have none and work to use the resources available to them to advocate and create change through micro-finance initiatives and a general sharing of wealth.

Over the next year, we here at Precious Woman HQ will be working hard to partner with other women's organizations, ministries and grassroots projects, to make a difference in the lives of victims of sex trafficking as well as implement global projects that help with the rescue and restoration of those who have managed to escape their oppressors.

Make sure you visit this page often to read the regular updates, download relevant anti-trafficking campaign tools, and be sure to share with us how you are spreading awareness and motivating others to help end the trafficking of women and girls for good!!

Do you suspect that some one you know is being trafficked against their will? Here are some clues that might help you identify a victim...

The SIGNS OF Sex Trafficking