Prostitution in Georgia is illegal but widespread, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi. The Black Sea resorts become a sex tourism destination in the summer months. Due to the close proximity of the Turkish border, and no visa requirements for Turks, many men from Turkey come to the area to find prostitutes. Child prostitution is a problem in the country. Prostitution is punishable by a fine. Georgia has a high rate of STIs , especially near the Turkish border. Condom and lube distribution and also redirection for treatment are provided by the NGO Tanadgoma.
Georgia is a source, transit, and destination country for women and girls subjected to sex trafficking. Women and girls from Georgia are subjected to sex trafficking within the country, in Turkey, and, to a lesser extent, in China and the United Arab Emirates. Georgia is also a transit country for women from Central Asia exploited in Turkey. Women from Azerbaijan and Central Asia are subjected to forced prostitution in the tourist areas of the Adjara region and in saunas, strip clubs, casinos, and hotels.
The majority of identified trafficking victims are young, foreign women seeking employment. There is also a special law to protect families of Georgian women who fear reprisals from gang masters of women who refuse to be forced into prostitution abroad.
The government investigated 12 new cases of sex trafficking in , compared to 11 in The government prosecuted one defendant for sex trafficking in , compared to two defendants in Although Abkhazia and South Ossetia have declared independence from Georgia and are self-governing, they are not generally internationally recognised.
Prostitution in Abkhazia is rampant, including child prostitution. Following the conflict in South Ossetia , many men left to work in Russia. Some of the women who were left behind were forced to turn to prostitution to survive. Many adolescents have also turned to prostitution and child prostitution is a problem, [ 15 ] especially in the capital, Tskhinvali.
