Woman claims to have been trafficked into domestic slavery in Israel

An Indian national is asking to be recognised as a victim of human trafficking in Israel. The woman claims that she was held in conditions of slavery as she worked as a domestic servant in Tel Aviv. The NGO Hotline for Migrant Workers has written to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon asking that the woman be given the same status as those who have been sold into prostitution. The woman claims that she was deprived of her freedom, was forced to work from 6am to 11 at night and that any wages were given directly to her brother not to her. The letter notes that in November a bill was placed before the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) asking that the definition of who is a victim of human trafficking be expanded. The NGO hopes that the woman will not be deported whilst investigations are ongoing and point out that she needs rehabilitation just as much as other victims of trafficking.
Around the world thousands of women and children are trafficked into domestic servitude. The fact that they are in their employers houses and often not seen by the general public can make them very vulnerable to abuse.