Known for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural heritage, Spain attracts millions of tourists each year. But hidden within this allure lies a harrowing secret, reports The Sun. Due to its language and location, Spain has become a key destination and transit hub for women lured from Latin America and Africa and trafficked into Europe. Trapped in a cycle of debt, forced into relentless sex work, and confined to squalid conditions, these women endure unimaginable hardships—some driven to drugs, others tragically to suicide.

False promises

Victoria from Colombia recalls being in a very vulnerable position when a woman approached her with a job offer in Spain. The woman claimed to manage a cleaning company and told Victoria she could stay with her on contract. After Victoria arrived, the woman said she owed 3,000 Euros for the flight and that there was an issue with her social security number that needed resolving. She then told Victoria that she would cover the expenses of the flight but that she would be taken somewhere else to work for a while.

Victoria’s passport, ID, and other documents were confiscated. Crucially, when Victoria begged for her freedom, the women denied it. Describing the traumatic experience, Victoria said in a BBC documentary:

“You work 24 hours. You never rest, you have to sleep with your make up on and just in your underwear.” … “You are not allowed to wear normal clothes, You always have to be in your underwear, ready for any customer that may arrive.”

The documentary also vividly exposed the harsh conditions these women endure at these brothels. Crammed rooms, filthy mattresses, and constant surveillance by security cameras are only the beginning of what these women have suffered.

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