We agree the findings from Church et al's[1] survey of prostitute women
indicate the level of (sexual) violence faced by those who sell sex. We
applaud the authors for highlighting the risks posed to prostitutes, who
are frequently blamed for causing health problems, whilst their own health
needs are overlooked.
The author's note that 'prostitutes who work outdoors in particular
routinely confront clients who are verbally, sexually, and physically
violent towards them' (p.524). In our qualitative research with women
involved in street prostitution we observed similar experiences [2].
However, it is worth noting that prostitute women do not just experience
violence from clients. They also are in danger from pimps, who subject
women to physical and verbal abuse to ensure they continue seeing clients
(and bring in money). In addition, women involved in street prostitution
experience high levels of verbal (and physical) abuse from those who pass
through the 'red light' area. We observed for ourselves the seemingly
endless hatred directed at street prostitutes from those who see them as
an easy target [2].
Considering that many prostitutes begin working when young, or are
still children, it may be that previous physical or emotional abuse has
led them to engage in prostitution - and enables others (pimps and
clients) to continue to take advantage of them. As the author's state,
prostitutes needs are frequently overlooked, and there is clearly a need
for increased services to help them. We argue that such services need to
address physical and psychological health, and be more widespread, as many
prostitutes feel very marginalised, and therefore find accessing health
services difficult.
References
1. Church,S., Henderson,M., Barnard,M and Hart,G. Violence by clients
towards female prostitutes in different work settings: questionnaire
survey. BMJ 2001; 322; 524-5.
2. Boynton,P.M., Bucknor,N., and Morton,J. Somebody's Daughters,
Somebody's Sisters: A reflection of Wolverhampton Working Women's Lives.
1998. ISBN 1854492764.
Rapid Response:
Listening to working women
Editor
We agree the findings from Church et al's[1] survey of prostitute women
indicate the level of (sexual) violence faced by those who sell sex. We
applaud the authors for highlighting the risks posed to prostitutes, who
are frequently blamed for causing health problems, whilst their own health
needs are overlooked.
The author's note that 'prostitutes who work outdoors in particular
routinely confront clients who are verbally, sexually, and physically
violent towards them' (p.524). In our qualitative research with women
involved in street prostitution we observed similar experiences [2].
However, it is worth noting that prostitute women do not just experience
violence from clients. They also are in danger from pimps, who subject
women to physical and verbal abuse to ensure they continue seeing clients
(and bring in money). In addition, women involved in street prostitution
experience high levels of verbal (and physical) abuse from those who pass
through the 'red light' area. We observed for ourselves the seemingly
endless hatred directed at street prostitutes from those who see them as
an easy target [2].
Considering that many prostitutes begin working when young, or are
still children, it may be that previous physical or emotional abuse has
led them to engage in prostitution - and enables others (pimps and
clients) to continue to take advantage of them. As the author's state,
prostitutes needs are frequently overlooked, and there is clearly a need
for increased services to help them. We argue that such services need to
address physical and psychological health, and be more widespread, as many
prostitutes feel very marginalised, and therefore find accessing health
services difficult.
References
1. Church,S., Henderson,M., Barnard,M and Hart,G. Violence by clients
towards female prostitutes in different work settings: questionnaire
survey. BMJ 2001; 322; 524-5.
2. Boynton,P.M., Bucknor,N., and Morton,J. Somebody's Daughters,
Somebody's Sisters: A reflection of Wolverhampton Working Women's Lives.
1998. ISBN 1854492764.
Competing interests: No competing interests