Violence, Health and Safety

One of the major problems with keeping prostitution illegal or criminal is that it becomes an ideal environment for other crimes to occur. Many prostitutes and other sex workers face an abundance of violence from their clients, pimps and even the police. Because the work they do is considered illegal, sex workers cannot seek assistance from the authorities when they are threatened or assaulted (Highleyman, 149). “Sexual violence is about power”, which can also be said about patriarchy and gendered oppression (“IUSW - Appendix”). The stigma associated with those who exchange sex for money is permission for others to feel justified in the way they are treating them (“Sex-positive”). If prostitution was no longer a criminal offence, workers would be able to seek protection from the law, instead of fearing the justice system.

Some people believe that pornography is dangerous and violent, and may even have heard of pornographic “snuff films” in which the lead actor, usually female, is killed (“Pornography”). There is no proof that any such films actually exist, and many pornography actors truly enjoy their job (McElroy). It is a common misconception that practicing BDSM is violent and can’t truly be enjoyed (Highleyman, 145). Pornography is not inherently violent and can actually lead to reduced sex crimes. “Japan, which is noted for its large output of rape fantasy pornography, has the lowest reported sex crimes rate in the industrialized world” (“Pornography”). Pornography offers a more socially acceptable means of regulating a person’s sexuality than actually raping a person.

Both prostitutes and pornography actors face an increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease and therefore should be well educated on the risk and the things they can do to help prevent transmission (“IUSW - Problems”). In fact, research shows that sex workers do not have a higher HIV rate than the general public and it may in fact be lower than the average (“Prostitution”). Sex trade workers should be practicing safe sex, using condoms, lube and dental dams at all times. Testing should be encouraged for all sex workers and each individual should act accordingly based on the test results, in order to protect the health and safety of other workers and clients.



Works Cited:

Highleyman, Liz. “Professional Dominance: Power, Money, and Identity.” Whores and Other Feminists. Ed. Jill Nagle. New York: Routledge, 1997. 145-155.

“IUSW – Recommendations – Appendix 4.” The International Union of Sex Workers. 9 March 2007 http://www.iusw.org/policy/14_app4_abuse.html

“IUSW – Recommendations – Problems.” The International Union of Sex Workers. 9 March 2007 http://www.iusw.org/policy/07_problems.html

McElroy, Wendy. A Feminist Overview of Pornography, Ending in a Defense Thereof. 7 March 2007 http://www.zetetics.com/mac/freeinqu.html

“Pornography.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 6 March 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pornography

“Prostitution.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 6 March 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution

“Sex-positive feminism.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 7 March 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexually_liberal_feminism

Quote Reflection #1

“Prostitutes are neither criminals nor victims.” - Ignasi Pons and Victoria Serra

While this statement should be true, the current legal and social situation in most countries does not permit it to be. Most of the laws against the sex trade are targeted at the prostitutes themselves, as opposed to those who purchase sex. It is also true that more female prostitutes than males are arrested for their actions, pointing to a desire to control a specific group of women based on patriarchal ideals and gendered oppression. People, especially women, should be able to control their own body and do with it as they desire, without the risk of criminal prosecution. Prostitution should remain a personal choice.

Most prostitutes are not victims but because of the illegal nature of the act; some are forced into the sex trade, while others would like to leave but cannot for various reasons. Some may find they are unable to leave due to a violent pimp, others may find they don’t have the skills to work in another industry without retraining. If prostitution was decriminalized the police could focus on helping those who are being forced into selling their bodies. Assistance should be provided to those who want to change industries, instead of many former sex trade workers facing prejudice in a job search.

The only way to achieve the ideal presented by the quote is to decriminalize prostitution and to eliminate the stigma associated with sex trade workers. For the time being, prostitutes should not be seen as “criminals” or “victims” (Pons and Serra, 499).


Works Cited:

Pons, Ignasi, and Victoria Serra. “Female Prostitution in Spain.” Prostitution: On Whores, Hustlers and Johns. Ed. James E. Elias et al. New York: Prometheus Books, 1998. 493-500.

Resources

In addition to the various books, articles and magazines sourced throughout this site, here are some additional resources people involved with the sex trade may find helpful;

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Website – www.awhl.org
Phone – 1-866-863-0511

The Assaulted Women’s Helpline is a valuable resource for sex trade workers, since unfortunately they do face an increased incidence of violence. The organization provides resources for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced violence or abuse. Some of these resources include; 24 hour telephone crisis counseling, emergency housing referrals and sources for legal advice. All their services are anonymous and confidential. The Assaulted Women’s Helpline also provided education on anti-violence initiatives.

Maggie’s: Toronto Prostitutes’ Community Service Project
Website - www.maggiestoronto.ca
Phone - 416-964-0150

Maggie’s is a non-profit, trans-positive environment for current and former sex trade workers. It is a place where people can go to receive education and other resources related to their work or in hopes of finding work in another industry. Maggie’s believes in decriminalization of the sex trade and labour rights for workers. The organization offers free condoms and publishes a ‘bad trick’ sheet to encourage prostitute safety.

Streetlight Support Services
Website – www.streetlightsupportservices.com
Phone – 1-877-300-9997

Streetlight Support Services has a focus on assisting those working in the sex trade who would like to get into another industry. Most people are referred to their services as a result of criminal charges related to prostitution; they are also the creators of “John School”. They employ several graduates of George Brown College’s Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor and Advocate Diploma Program. Streetlight offers a Choices Diversion program which is a 4 week counseling program covering topics such as; gender roles, the cycle of violence, and safety planning.


For more information on these resources and others like them you can access 211 Toronto online at www.211Toronto.ca or via phone by dialing 211. These information services are also available for the Niagara Region, Simcoe County, and the whole province of Ontario. 211 is now also available in Calgary and Edmonton, with services for Alberta currently being planned. Go to www.211.ca to access all of these sites.