Morbidity and Mortality associated with sex industry
We read with interest the article by Church et al1. In a previous
report2 we documented that female prostitutes operate on the streets of
Middlesbrough, a seaport in the North of England. Church et al in their
article highlighted violence suffered by street prostitutes and request
that more prominence be given to this type of morbidity associated with
prostitution. This morbidity has been reported previously 2, 3.
In 1996 Women's Drop-in Centre was started as a form of health risk
reduction project to care for the street prostitutes in Middlesbrough,
with funds provided by Tees Health Authority. The Centre opens on Friday
evenings between 1800-2100 hours. The prostitutes come to the centre
where they are given condoms, biscuits, cold and warm beverages. Those
who request have screening for STIs and HIV. Two outreach workers make
contact with the prostitutes on the streets and give them condoms.
Since the centre opened 5 years ago we have recorded several episodes
of violence suffered by these prostitutes from their clients, partners and
drug pedlars. In 2000 there were two deaths and one reported missing
among these prostitutes. Some of the prostitutes have been "enslaved" by
gangleaders. One of the gangleaders was jailed in 1996. In a survey
conducted in 1997, 28% of the prostitutes reported recent episodes of
violence - physically, rape or had their money stolen.
The centre has since liaised with the police who have provided a
woman police constable (WPC) as a liaison officer. The officer comes in
the centre in civilian clothes every week. Any prostitute who is attacked
is encouraged to fill a "Dodgy Punter awareness form". The form includes
data such as probable age, hair colour, build any distinctive features
etc. The WPC is informed and the other prostitutes are briefed of the
profile of the attacker.
Recently a male client who physically attacked a prostitute has been
jailed following a court case in which the prostitute gave evidence and
had some support from one of us (EH) and the WPC who accompanied her to
court. It is a myth that prostitutes are glamorous girls who make easy
money. Life can be tough on the streets.
Abayomi OPANEYE
Consultant Physician, Department of Genito Urinary Medicine, Middlesbrough
General Hospital, Ayresome Green Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 5AZ
Eileen HUNTER
Womens Drop-in Centre, Zetland Road, Middlesbrough
References
1. Church S, Henderson M, Barnard M, Hart G: Violence by clients
towards females prostitutes in different work settings; questionnaire
survey. BMJ 2001; 322:554-5
2. Opaneye A, Surtees M; Female street prostitutes in Middlesbrough,
England. Int. J of STD and AIDS 1998; 9:245
3. Ward H, Day S, Weber J. Risky business: health and safety in the sex
industry over a nine year period. Sex Trans. Inf. 1999; 75: 340-343.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
14 March 2001
A A Opaneye
Consultant Physician
Genitourinary Medicine, Middlesbrough General Hospital
Rapid Response:
Morbidity and Mortality associated with sex industry
We read with interest the article by Church et al1. In a previous
report2 we documented that female prostitutes operate on the streets of
Middlesbrough, a seaport in the North of England. Church et al in their
article highlighted violence suffered by street prostitutes and request
that more prominence be given to this type of morbidity associated with
prostitution. This morbidity has been reported previously 2, 3.
In 1996 Women's Drop-in Centre was started as a form of health risk
reduction project to care for the street prostitutes in Middlesbrough,
with funds provided by Tees Health Authority. The Centre opens on Friday
evenings between 1800-2100 hours. The prostitutes come to the centre
where they are given condoms, biscuits, cold and warm beverages. Those
who request have screening for STIs and HIV. Two outreach workers make
contact with the prostitutes on the streets and give them condoms.
Since the centre opened 5 years ago we have recorded several episodes
of violence suffered by these prostitutes from their clients, partners and
drug pedlars. In 2000 there were two deaths and one reported missing
among these prostitutes. Some of the prostitutes have been "enslaved" by
gangleaders. One of the gangleaders was jailed in 1996. In a survey
conducted in 1997, 28% of the prostitutes reported recent episodes of
violence - physically, rape or had their money stolen.
The centre has since liaised with the police who have provided a
woman police constable (WPC) as a liaison officer. The officer comes in
the centre in civilian clothes every week. Any prostitute who is attacked
is encouraged to fill a "Dodgy Punter awareness form". The form includes
data such as probable age, hair colour, build any distinctive features
etc. The WPC is informed and the other prostitutes are briefed of the
profile of the attacker.
Recently a male client who physically attacked a prostitute has been
jailed following a court case in which the prostitute gave evidence and
had some support from one of us (EH) and the WPC who accompanied her to
court. It is a myth that prostitutes are glamorous girls who make easy
money. Life can be tough on the streets.
Abayomi OPANEYE
Consultant Physician,
Department of Genito Urinary Medicine, Middlesbrough
General Hospital, Ayresome Green Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 5AZ
Eileen HUNTER
Womens Drop-in Centre, Zetland Road, Middlesbrough
References
1. Church S, Henderson M, Barnard M, Hart G: Violence by clients
towards females prostitutes in different work settings; questionnaire
survey. BMJ 2001; 322:554-5
2. Opaneye A, Surtees M; Female street prostitutes in Middlesbrough,
England. Int. J of STD and AIDS 1998; 9:245
3. Ward H, Day S, Weber J. Risky business: health and safety in the sex
industry over a nine year period. Sex Trans. Inf. 1999; 75: 340-343.
Competing interests: No competing interests