Trafficking of persons in Italy is a significant problem that involves adults and minors trafficked for sex and labor. Most women and girls are exploited in the sex trade. Most of the women and girls sold into prostitution in Italy come from Africa and Eastern Europe; Nigeria is the main country of origin for trafficked females. Nigeria’s social, political, and economic upheavals are examined as main contributory factors for the increase in trafficking of Nigerian women and girls, as are the cultural aspects of Nigerian life that place great responsibilities on women for the economic health of the family. The legal framework for combating human trafficking in Italy is considered against the backdrop of a recent government proposal to legalize brothels. It was not until 1998 that Italian law established a specific legal framework to offer social protection and services to victims of trafficking. The various activities of the Italian Government and nongovernmental organizations to assist victims of trafficking are examined and the police policy of deporting victims who do not assist in police investigations is critiqued. The recent government proposal to legalize brothels is considered contrary to efforts to end the trafficking of women and girls. The author argues that in order to end trafficking, women’s bodies must stop being commercialized in prostitution. So long as prostitution is tolerated, and even legalized as valid employment, trafficking in women and violence against women will not end. Notes, references