Eyes open food for thought

Sex for money, more generally and better sounding called the erotic business, more pejoratively labelled as the prostitution trade or commonly declared as the red light district, has been associated with the term criminal in our society for ages, even today.

Words and scenarios such as: Human trafficking, forced prostitution, blackmail, violence, drugs, pimping etc. go hand in hand with it in the minds of opponents. They never miss an opportunity to confront the public again and again in order to maintain the industry's bad reputation. However, myLadies will address this complex topic at a later date and clear up these generalised prejudices.

Just as there are corrupt referees, fans willing to commit acts of violence and top performers convicted of doping in sport, almost every industry is affected by ultra groups or "black sheep". They commit and accept violations of the law and even violent offences. Unfortunately, the erotic business is also affected by this. Marginalised groups of people are responsible for the poor image of sex work. These are isolated cases. Nevertheless, each of these individual fates is one case too many! Forced prostitution must not be a taboo subject in the erotic industry, which is why we are talking about it.

Mindfulness

Today it's about sensitising those who use sexual services. If you visit a sex worker or invite her to your home or meet her in a hotel, please look out for any abnormalities. If you get the feeling that you notice that the service provider is not working voluntarily but under the influence of violence, coercion and intimidation, don't ignore it. Take action!

Bruises, welts and marks do not automatically have to be associated with violence. They can also be the result of prearranged role play or harmless accidents. It is best to try to establish a trusting dialogue with the woman. If there are language barriers, you can also use your hands and feet. In addition, almost everyone has an internet-enabled smartphone these days, which can serve as a translator. This can help to rule out your suspicions.
If the woman makes a completely passive and listless impression, this may be due to tiredness or too much work in the recent past.
If you have the impression that she is under the influence of illegal drugs (tranquillisers, stimulants, etc.), it is also important here to differentiate between coercion by a third party or of her own volition. This is not easy.

If your gut feeling, after a conscientious overall assessment of the situation, only allows you to decide that the lady is in an emergency situation - then show up and take responsibility! But be careful. Act with caution! Don't try to play the hero and don't do anything against the woman's will! You could get her and her family into even more trouble. You could also endanger yourself. Report your suspicions to a counselling centre for sex workers and/or the police. This can also be done anonymously. The experts know how to proceed.

The following situations or characteristics can be indications of exploitation, violence and coercion:

• Shyness, timidity, fear, total helplessness
• Exhaustion, fatigue, disorientation, perceptual disorders
• She is prepared to fulfil every wish without additional price negotiation
• You find the lady in a locked room
• Surveillance
• Delivery by a third party
• Traces of abuse
• Indebtedness to helpers
• Transfer of income to third parties
• Complete ignorance of rights and obligations
• Appearance of being a minor
• She has no knowledge and shows zero responsibility with regard to health protection
• The lady is not able to communicate in any way at all

Distinguishes between legitimate sex work and forced prostitution. Mixing the two together leads to the general criminalisation of the sex trade and poses a daily problem for the majority of honest providers and voluntary workers to be recognised in their professional activities. We are of course aware of how difficult it is for clients of sex workers to act in specific situations or suspicious circumstances. Nobody wants to be recognised here. We therefore appeal to you men to take responsibility! Ultimately, it is you who can recognise and stop forced prostitution.

myLadies.ch condemns violence & coercion in any form and in all areas of life! The erotic industry must be free from human trafficking, coercion and violence. We at myLadies.ch will continue to campaign for this for all ladies in the future.

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