To dislike the term 'sex slave'

[BurnedToast]

I was just reading an article about Ghislaine Maxwell's trial. I noticed they described a 14 year old who was allegedly on the same plane as Prince Andrew as being a 'sex slave'.

I've seen that description before when journalists were describing the Yazidi women held by ISIS.

Why is it in 2021 we are referring to victims of sexual abuse as 'sex slaves'? It just seems so inappropriate. Surely the 14 year old should be described as the 'alleged trafficked victim' or just 'the victim' would do. The whole 'sex slave' thing adds a note that I dont like, even though I can't quite explain why. It's the sort of description I would expect some dirty perv to use and dilutes the fact we are talking about a 14 year old child being sexually abused by a bunch of men. Does anyone else feel this way?

Yep, it’s tabloid titillation.

You’re right.

It’s deliberately titillating.

The media do it all the time in stories about abuse of women. 😢

Agree. Its a term that titillates men. They love the thought of owning a woman and having whatever they want.

You’re so right. Likewise “child prostitute”. Um no.

It's repugnant. Even the Guardian have been guilty of this.

I think it was The Guardian where I read it. It's really disgusting. I can't imagine any other crime where this would happen.

I agree. Thanks for raising this OP.

The press aren’t particularly concerned about presenting facts, they just want to sensationalise to increase their readers/listeners/viewers.

I agree. The same with the term "child porn". No, it's "images of children being sexually abused".

Surely you can’t get a term more negative than “slave” though. In the past 12 months we have seen statues hauled down due to involvement with slavery. People trafficked and force into things are slaves.

@StarlightLady

Surely you can’t get a term more negative than “slave” though. In the past 12 months we have seen statues hauled down due to involvement with slavery. People trafficked and force into things are slaves.

Except the term 'sex slave' is specifically associated with the BDSM community, and is linked more to what a PP described; sexual gratification gotten from the ownership of a woman to whom you can do whatever you please

Yep, has a similar ring to it as "child porn" does.

The papers aren't interested in reporting facts and being respectful, they just want to sensationalise everything, and "sex slave" sounds much more exciting than "victim".

@DickMabutt73963 - you have explained exactly the point I was trying to make.