How Sexual Exploitation is Fuelled by Economic Interests

Dr Jasmine Westendorf, Associate Professor at La Trobe University in Australia, shares some of her findings about sexual exploitation and abuse perpetrated by peacekeepers and aid workers in humanitarian operations.     In this episode, Dr Westendorf discusses the economic interests that lead to exploitation - and how this can have a lasting impact on a community even when the peace operation moves out. We hear about the false premise of consent in transactional sex, and the long-term effects it has on individuals, communities and trust in the very organisations there to support them.    Dr Westendorf talks about the importance of community involvement in responding to exploitation and abuse. She also emphasises the need for further research on prevention and the particular vulnerabilities of different population groups.