U.S. Department of State 2001 Trafficking in Persons Report - Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic (Tier 2)

The Dominican Republic is primarily a source country for trafficked women and, less frequently, for minor girls. According to the Center for Integral Orientation and Investigation (COIN), an NGO, women typically between the ages of 18 and 25, and girls as young as age 15, are trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation and domestic servitude to Europe (Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, and Belgium), the Lesser Antilles (Curacao, Saint Martin, Aruba, and Antigua), and, in some cases, to Argentina and Israel.

The Government of the Dominican Republic does not yet fully meet the minimum standards; however, the Government is making significant efforts to combat trafficking on several fronts. The Criminal Code prohibits trafficking in persons for the purpose of prostitution, but it does not include other severe forms of trafficking. There is also a migrant smuggling law that can be used to prosecute traffickers. The penalties for trafficking in persons are not commensurate with those penalties for rape, sexual assault, or severe forms of domestic violence. The Government has successfully prosecuted several individuals engaged in trafficking in persons, and sentenced them to prison terms from 3 to 5 years. The Government takes action against government officials who facilitate trafficking. For example, from January to August 2000, the authorities dismissed 42 immigration employees for connections with groups that smuggle or traffic persons. The Government is attempting, through a new social plan, to alleviate some of the extreme poverty that drives Dominican women to migrate in search of employment. There are no governmental services for victims nor does the Government fund local NGO's providing services to victims.