Every year, thousands of women throughout Europe are victimized by domestic slavery. Many are forced to become household servants, while others are exploited and subjected to abuse after becoming au pairs or mail order spouses. From the Council of Europe, Parliamentarians are calling for the application of a zero tolerance policy for domestic slavery. The Assembly adopted a resolution suggesting that: 1) Victims be given aid, regardless of the status of their papers and whether they were victims of human trafficking;
2) An accreditation system be developed for agencies that place women as au pair girls, domestic workers and mail order spouses;
3) Temporary residence permits be granted for victims of domestic slavery;
4) A Charter of Domestic Workers' Rights guaranteeing social rights to the workers be adopted; and,
5) Victim compensation be made available.
Compiled from: The Network of East-West Women-Polska/NEWW