The descriptive term "forced into prostitution"

[PoliticalBiscuit]

I read about a horrific case this evening (Romanian brothers) and how they forced women into prostitution.

Is it just me who feels there is a small amount of culpability for the women left in this term? I was speaking to my DH this week and mentioned the phrase 'child pornography' is now unacceptable and it is more commonly, rightfully, being referred to as images of child sexual abuse.

Rape is rape, not 'forced to have sex'.

I just feel the term forced into prostitution in most cases really isn't as horrifically descriptive as it ought to be.

The term sex slave, is of course, awful.

I was just curious if I was the only one thinking there should be a better descriptive term for the sheer torment and abuse for these women.

I haven't linked to the story because it is absolutely disgusting and not relevant to this post anyway, it was just the spark.

Just me?

What do you think it should be described as?

Are you saying that some people might suggest that if those women had been stronger they could have resisted that force? Unfortunately, I think you are right - some people will always blame women for these dreadful situations.

Unfortunately, the happy hooker/sex worker positive brigade have successful diluted the sheer horror of what prostitution is.

I think forced covers it.

I don’t see an issue with it, to me it highlights the fact they are being forced into having sex with people to make other evil people money.

It’s more descriptive than sex slave or rape. Prostitution goes beyond just sex.

I get where you're coming from. Prostitution implies agency / keeping earnings. In the way it's unacceptable to use "child prostitute"?

I really don't have an alternative suggestion of what it should be, I'm just curious.

I suppose I'm thinking of domestic slaves etc. No one says "forced to work on a building site" as the headline to what they have been put through.

Google tells me the definition of prostitution is "the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment."

I just feel the terminology takes away what it is.

Thank you @RiverTam and @Njordsgrrrl for putting it better than me!

Yes it does imply an agency in the transaction.

So you think the term 'sex slavery' should be used instead?

No I really don't. I hate the term sex slavery! It also cheapens it.

consent can't be paid for, that's the bottom line.

Yip. I hate the term "oldest profession". The oldest oppression more like.

I agree. Prostitution sounds like a job and sex slave sounds far too "fluffy" for what it actually is. Sold for rape? Gang-raped for profit? Idk but I do agree with you.

It's not really prostitution though is it? Because the women aren't getting to keep any of the money. They are being raped and the man is paying money (maybe via the woman) to another man for the "right" to rape the woman.

Any updated term would need to reflect that the woman's body is being used to make money for the man who effectively "owns" it through force.

Well, it is sex slavery.

Those women forced into prostitution have no agency, did not consent and probably saw next to nothing of the money they 'earned'.

It's sex slavery.

I think Sold for Rape actually covers it.

I agree.

To me, "forced into prostitution" implies by circumstance. It implies they have some agency over their work and payment.

"Sold for rape" or "sold into sex slavery" is a better description.

It's paid rape.

I think forced into sex slavery covers it, depending on the exact circumstances. Sexually exploitation could also apply in some cases.

Only a few articles come up when Googling

www.cnbc.com/2016/09/16/globe-newswire-stop-calling-the-teen-trafficked-by-oakland-police-officers-a-prostitute.html

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47201210

Some hotels are training their staff to watch out for victims of human trafficking.

Disturbing.

Good for the Marriot.

I think there are two different things meant under the "umbrella term " of prostitution

One is where a woman exchanges sex for money
Another is where a woman is forced into rape by one person for another persons gain

Of course, there is a massive low of grey in the middle. There is a level of oppression regardless. But some have a degree of choice (have sex with the person or have no money) and the other end there is no choice (have sex with the person so someone else gets paid or get raped/beaten/killed).
There probably do need to be different terms, but everything is on the rape and exploitation spectrum