Men Who Buy Sex: Who They Buy and What They Know

[YoungDemCA]

A fascinating in-depth research study from 2012 of a sample of London men who buy sex. Some relevant excerpts below:

A sample of 103 men in London, England, who used trafficked and non-trafficked women in prostitution
were asked about their experiences and awareness of the sex industry. Almost all (96%) bought sex
indoors. Many reported that they were aware of pimping, trafficking and other coercive control over
those in massage parlour, brothel, and escort prostitution. These men were frequently aware of the
vulnerability and risk factors for entry into prostitution including childhood abuse, lack of alternative job
choices, coercive control and homelessness.

snip:

Many of the men felt that at various times during prostitution, women had no rights at all.
Attitudes normalising rape were common among this group of men who buy sex in London. Over
half of the interviewees believed that men would ‘need’ to rape if they did not have access to
prostituted women.

There is no evidence supporting the theory that prostitution prevents rape. Experts in rape and other
forms of sexual violence must ensure that myths that prostitution prevents rape are debunked.

snip:

Legalisation and prostitution tolerance zones encouraged men to buy sex. Several men
explained that once having visited areas where prostitution is legal or promoted, they returned to
UK with a renewed dedication to buying sex even if that practice is illegal.

snip:

Many men stated that pornography informed their decisions to request specific acts with
women in prostitution and also with non-prostituting sex partners. Other interviewees stated that
pornography use led to their paying for sex.

http://i4.cmsfiles.com/eaves/2012/04/MenWhoBuySex-89396b.pdf

[EllieBC]

1. This is where I'm not sure what wave I fit in.

I often wonder how many women are completely acting on their own free will when they are involved in the sex industry.

And I mean completely free will. Not will dominated by financial crisis, addiction issues, or mental health issues.

And men are learning that contrary to what some of us women have be screaming for a long time, we are still an object for purchase or conquest.

[JoeyT]

2. I'm never really sure either.

I'm uncomfortable with making laws telling women what to do with their own bodies. So I guess I'd make prostitution itself legal, but anything involving coercion or pimping or trafficking carry an absurdly harsh sentence. Like a year for each charge, but you get one charge for each time a prostitute you were in control of was forced to have sex with someone. To be served consecutively.

I feel like that might dramatically increase the chances of prostitutes being willing to come forward to law enforcement (One of the reasons trafficking is so successful now is because women that are forced into it are afraid to talk to the police) while ensuring a maximum of deterrence and a minimum of recidivism among pimps and traffickers. You're probably not going back to being a trafficker after 3000 years in prison.

[LiberalLadyAnna]

3. Make prostitution legal, but exploitation illegal:

I think that prostitutes should be able to unionize, choose to refuse service to disreputable customers, and do even more with the help and protection of the law. I think brothels should be checked for corrupt owners or staff, and that prostitutes get extra health care benefits, especially for the maintenance for their tools of trade.
Perhaps something that should be standard for prostitutes is access to effective birth control, and clean working areas.