The historical novel Les Miserables by Victor Hugo tells the story of several characters who are victims of 19th century French society. Fantine, a struggling single mother, is forced into circumstances comparable to those faced by countless women today. Unable to find work and behind on her debts to her child's guardians, Fantine is forced to sell all her possessions, her hair, her teeth and ultimately her body. She did not choose to become a prostitute, as many women today do not do; they are forced into sexual slavery to survive. They are treated as mere sex objects in this exploitative and humiliating industry. They become vulnerable to rape and sexual abuse and are forced to ignore them out of fear and social stigma. Fantine is just a fictional representation of countless women around the world today who face the ordeal of sex trafficking and rape culture. However, society has taught us that this is the norm and that these women are responsible for their situation. Rape culture in today's society has created a negative perception of sex trafficking victims, leading to the oppression of women. People don't think sex trafficking is a current problem because it takes a different form in the United States than in most other countries. This type of modern slavery disguises itself as prostitution and pimping, both of which are considered normal and harmless institutions. The media tells us that women who participate in either activity lead high-end lives, that prostitution is "glamorous, wealth-generating work for girls" when in reality they lack support emotional, educational, and employment opportunities (Shelley 241). . Les Miserables sheds light on the true circumstances these women find themselves in; Fan...... middle of paper......thinking critically about the message society sends on these topics and not conforming to the standards they set. Let us hope that one day those who follow Fantine's path will receive the respect and justice they deserve.Works CitedHugo, Victor. Les Miserables. New York: Signet Classics, 1987. Print. Navarro, Mireya and Janon Fisher. “Long silent, the oldest profession is becoming vocal and organized. » Women's rights. Ed. Jennifer Curry. New York: The HW Wilson Society, 2005. 95-98. Print. “Rape culture. » Marshall University. Marshall University, nd Web. February 27, 2014. Shelley, Louise. Human trafficking. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print. United States Department of State, Office of Public Affairs. “The link between prostitution and sex trafficking.” Women's rights. Ed. Jennifer Curry. New York: The HW Wilson Company, 2005. 99-101. Print.