The human toll of criminalizing the escort industry

This disturbing story out of the US about missing escorts and a possible serial killer highlight the human toll of criminalizing the escort industry and driving it "underground".

It is common for serial killers to prey upon escorts (particularly those who are forced to "work the street") because their victims are vulnerable, are regarded as low priority by law enforcement, and are usually isolated socially.

To SP's this article should be a reminder that you should always put your own health and safety first. For clients we should be respectful of any reasonable effort an SP puts forward to protect themselves since the risks are very real. Should you find something to be unreasonable about how an SP is trying to screen you, politely say thanks but no thanks and move on to someone else. I defer to the many other excellent posts written by SP's and more senior members about what is considered "reasonable" by the industry standards.

At least in Canada SP's have an option to operate (all be it very carefully) within the law and still earn a living, while staying off the street. But far too many SP's are still forced on the streets where they do become victims of killers, pimps, drugs and abusive clients.

In the US the problem must only be worse since "sex for money" is illegal, therefore SP's must operate underground and take more risks.

Today I had the displeasure of watching the "I'm gonna sue Craigs List" Sherrif interviewed on CNN. He's clearly only interested in making a name for himself and angling for higher office (he was in the news in October championing people who were being forced out of their homes at the start of the foreclosure crisis). When asked point blank if his efforts were pointless since sex for money was a victimless crime and wasn't going to ever be stopped anyway, he dredged up all the old tired cliches about "all" the women in the SP industry being victims.

Clearly he doesen't know what he is talking about as most SP's (if not all) on this board do not think of themselves as victims. The victims are those forced (by laws) to operate at the margins, regarded as unworthy of society's protection, as criminals by law enforcement.

Like the failed prohibition on alcohol, and the now widely regarded as failed "war on drugs" criminalization of the escort industry has led to violence, crime, and victimization pricisely because criminalizing such behaviour does not stop it. Further the escort industry (except in rare cases) does not exist due to human addiction. Rather like any other service industry it exists to provide a specialized service on a for fee basis to meet a human need. So our only reason to criminalize it must stem from purely "moral" motives, specious though they may be.

Yes laws against muder and rape don't stop them either, but in those cases there are clear victims, so crime and punishment must enter into the equation. Likewise even the most ardent advocates of legalizing the escort industry would still want laws to protect minors, consumers, operaters et al.

That day is long off but at least here in Canada we have the essence of a "don't ask don't tell" accomadation we should all be sort of grateful for.

SP's keep vigilant and keep safe.

I think legalizing this business will do nothing but good things for SPs, hobbiests and the government in general. Just think of the tax revenue alone that could be generated from this industry. Not to mention the fact the ladies would be more inclined to seek help when they encounter a "bad date".

While I personally believe that escorting should be a legitimate business activity, I have read some valid counter arguments based on studies undertaken in countries where the industry is either regulated or at least decriminalized. The problems do not go away and in some cases are exacerbated. Now this could be a result of poor implementation or lacklustre monitoring, but it does raise an interesting question: if it were to be a legal activity, what really is the best way to go about it? My suspicion is that there would be many vastly differing opinions even amongst the members of this here board.

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While I personally believe that escorting should be a legitimate business activity, I have read some valid counter arguments based on studies undertaken in countries where the industry is either regulated or at least decriminalized. The problems do not go away and in some cases are exacerbated. Now this could be a result of poor implementation or lacklustre monitoring, but it does raise an interesting question: if it were to be a legal activity, what really is the best way to go about it? My suspicion is that there would be many vastly differing opinions even amongst the members of this here board.

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I believe also that it should be a legal activity.

One thing is do not let the government have have anything to do with setting it up except the final passing of the law. Just look how bad they messed up the gun registry.

An advocacy for Service providers should do the organizational groundwork.

I believe also that it should be a legal activity.

 

One thing is do not let the government have have anything to do with setting it up except the final passing of the law. Just look how bad they messed up the gun registry.

 

An advocacy for Service providers should do the organizational groundwork.

Really well said. I agree, it should be legal. An SP performs a service which we agree to pay for. It's two consenting adults who chose to perform and take part in this activity.

It is a legal activity here in Canada if you follow the current laws and you can register a business and pay taxes (Same with exotic dancers and other entertainment).

Many of the ladies do pay taxes - this way they can buy houses, get loans, etc... it is however a cash business so many of the ladies (especially part time and students) do not pay taxes or claim any income.

Some don't pay taxes and are shocked when the revenue Canada shows up asking where all the money came form that they have been putting into their bank account! (MANY ladies get this surprise).

I know a SP who owes almost 200 grand right now to revenue Canada as they audited her - she thought she was safe cause she did not register a business but with no proof of income and thousands of dollars going into her bank to pay a mortgage, two cars and three teenage kids (and no income tax being paid) she was caught red handed... this puts up the flags real fast.

It would be wise to register a business and file your taxes. Claim your expenses and make the business more legit. You do not have to say you are a prostitute or escort if you do not want to but it is legal in Canada to be a prostitute so if you wish you can list that as your profession.

If you are not registered as a business and not paying income tax and your depositing money into your bank account you are going to get a knock on your door one day. I think you can make 30 grand a year without registering a business (I think - don't quote me on this it's been a while) but you STILL need to pay income tax on this amount - every penny you put into your bank account is recorded and files to the government so when you don't pay income tax on this your going to be noticed.

I think a professional association is the way to go, and Power is an important first step to this (thanks for introducing this stuff to us Erin). Accurate book keeping and trying to be legitimate is the first step to a movement that will have some impact. I am always amazed at the women who are collecting social assistance and doing this work, you are asking for it big time. It just takes one smart ass to make a call to the new snitch line and things can crumble like a house of cards.

As mentioned already, I think is a good idea to register as a business just to show an income of some sort to justify ones assets.

I'm all for decriminalizing prostitution. I'm NOT in favour of legalizing it. I don't want the government regulating what I do, where I do it, who my clients are, how much I charge, my health status, or anything else.

I agree with Erin: we have laws to appeal to if we're assaulted, threatened or harmed in any way. Likewise, there are laws to protect neighbours' interests in the peaceful, quiet enjoyment of their property. So, unless an SP's clients are causing a public disturbance, she shouldn't have to worry about entertaining them in her home.

Registering a business is a fine idea, though strictly speaking, it's not necessary. The CRA wants us to declare our income from all sources but they don't really care whether the business is registered or not. I've been self-employed in another field for more than 15 years and have filed annual tax returns, declare my income and pay my taxes without ever needing to be registered as a business.

It's very true, though: what you put in the bank is never a secret from the government. It's a very good idea to keep records of cash income even if you don't deposit it in the bank.

I am all for legalizing independent escorts and honest escort services, but at the same time a serious effort should be made to eliminate human trafficking.

In Europe where prostitution is legal, trafficking is rampant.

FYI on registration for business;

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/rgstrng/mndtry-eng.html

I'm all for decriminalizing prostitution. I'm NOT in favour of legalizing it. I don't want the government regulating what I do, where I do it, who my clients are, how much I charge, my health status, or anything else.

 

I agree with Erin: we have laws to appeal to if we're assaulted, threatened or harmed in any way. Likewise, there are laws to protect neighbours' interests in the peaceful, quiet enjoyment of their property. So, unless an SP's clients are causing a public disturbance, she shouldn't have to worry about entertaining them in her home.

 

Registering a business is a fine idea, though strictly speaking, it's not necessary. The CRA wants us to declare our income from all sources but they don't really care whether the business is registered or not. I've been self-employed in another field for more than 15 years and have filed annual tax returns, declare my income and pay my taxes without ever needing to be registered as a business.

 

It's very true, though: what you put in the bank is never a secret from the government. It's a very good idea to keep records of cash income even if you don't deposit it in the bank.

This is a touchy subject of course but I think most of us here will all admit that the street walkers work in very bad conditions. I feel that legalizing or decriminalizing it would not help the problems surrounding it.

I have pondered this question for years (legalize/decriminalize) and at first I was all for legalizing it but after careful consideration (and discussions with some of the veteran ladies) I think it could use a little help but changing it could be a very bad thing and really we have it pretty good.

Really as escorts (not street walkers) what do you hate about the current laws?? It could be MUCH worse as you could have the same laws as the USA! How do you think legalizing or decriminalizing would change it for you? My advice, be careful what you wish for as it could be MUCH worse and you could open Pandora's box.

Many of the ladies who walk the streets are drug dependent and live in poverty because of the addictions - they may have started on the street as a way to survive but the streets have a way of drawing a person down deeper and making a bad situation much worse.

Many street walkers prostitute themselves to pay for food, rent and basically to survive ...(at first)... and some get out in time and never have problems with pimps and drugs (exceptions to every rule) but some don't and it's the ones who don't that the laws are here to protect and help! Many of the street walkers became drug addicts and then turned to prostitution as a way to pay for the habit as well. Unfortunately street level prostitution is riddled with drugs and pimps. (also has higher rates for sti/std and other heath conditions).

I can't stress this enough: I am not saying all of the ladies on the streets are drug addicts or controlled by pimps (that is not the case) but we all know that it is a problem and one is too many!

The ladies who are being abused and exploited need help as once someone is addicted to such drugs as crack, heroin and meth they no longer are capable of making sound decisions as the substance controls their life and that is no way for anyone to live.

Pro's

1) You can escort legally here as prostitution is legal

2) Pimping is illegal so it helps the police take care of abusive people

3) You can freely advertise in newspapers and online

4) The laws protect children

Con's

1) In calls are illegal (But the police use this to go after commercial bawdy houses and don't seem to abuse this law to go after the independents working low key)

2) Pimping laws make legit agency owners (Non-Abusive/Non-controlling agency owners) hard to operate and help keep the ladies safe.

3) Solicitation laws do need some work as some police are using these laws to entrap legit escorts in some cities. This law was intended to combat street prostitution and is being abused in cases where police have lured legitimate escorts into hotel bars/lounges and discussed sex in a public place. This is not what the law was intended for so it is being abused and needs some attention.

I would like to see a better pimping law and a better bawdy house law but I also don't want them to make things worse (even by accident - don't mess with a good thing).

Some people don't realize how good we have it in Canada already with the laws we do have. I would like to see laws that combat drug dealers and pimps more effectively.

I don't agree that street walking should be legal. I personally don't want to walk down the street and be solicited by anyone selling anything - especially right outside the front of my house. We all know that street prostitution brings drugs and violent people into the neighbourhood where

this is taking place. No one can argue this and that is why the laws exist.

Poverty may force many of the street walkers to work in these conditions but the pimps and drug dealers exploit these ladies more often than not. I hate to see a person taken advantage of in this way and I do not see how decriminalizing or legalizing this would help this in any way.

The governing body in Canada made laws to protect the public. The law removes some freedom of rights from prostitutes (intended to protect them and the public). Unfortunately the legit ladies who are not doing drugs and using the money to live and put food on the table (Not being controlled by pimps) do suffer because of these freedoms being revoked but it's next to impossible to write a law that works for both and decriminalizing it would make it even more exploited.

The government and police are very much aware of the problems that go along with street level prostitution and if the police started picking up clean ladies (clean as in - not doing drugs) and no longer found pimps exploiting the ladies they would most likely see no need for the law anymore but again I can't see legalizing this or decriminalizing this making this better in any way as it is now.

Thanks for the link Dummpy. Mandatory business registration is required if you make 30 grand over a 3 month period or 120 grand over a one year period.

Thanks for the link Dummpy. Mandatory business registration is required if you make 30 grand over a 3 month period or 120 grand over a one year period.

Actually I think you have to register if you make 30K in a quarter as in the next quarter you are in breach, or if you make a total of 30K over 4 quarters (one year). The clarification is to stop a larger volume concern from waiting a full year to register.

Now I just want to know who is going to start advertising + GST!!!

This is a touchy subject of course but I think most of us here will all admit that the street walkers work ...

Con's

1) In calls are illegal (But the police use this to go after commercial bawdy houses and don't seem to abuse this law to go after the independents working low key)

2) Pimping laws make legit agency owners (Non-Abusive/Non-controlling agency owners) hard to operate and help keep the ladies safe.

3) Solicitation laws do need some work as some police are using these laws to entrap legit escorts in some cities. This law was intended to combat street prostitution and is being abused in cases where police have lured legitimate escorts into hotel bars/lounges and discussed sex in a public place. This is not what the law was intended for so it is being abused and needs some attention.

 

I would like to see a better pimping law and a better bawdy house law but I also don't want them to make things worse (even by accident - don't mess with a good thing).

 

...exploiting the ladies they would most likely see no need for the law anymore but again I can't see legalizing this or decriminalizing this making this better in any way as it is now.

I agree with you on this it can get so muttled the other way, the issue is how do you allow ladies to perform there trade in a location? The street is not a good option, but a brothel type idea is not such a bad thing. Also how do you differentiate between and agent and a pimp? Is the newspaper not pimping when they accept money for the ad? After all that money is probably proceeds of the act?

On my wish list is a common ground were ladies can have a safe place to work and men can visit without fear. And a way that organized marketing and ladies working in an organized way were legitimate. Part of the issue is making the public aware that this is not a criminal activity and getting rid of some of the stigma.

And it would be nice to have clearer laws rather than speculate why and how a law will be enforced and hope that the local authorities embrace our interpretation.

Ya we have it alright but it is not that good, as a legit business person I would like to be involved in the industry and I think I could be an asset but legally I cannot be involved.

Is the newspaper not pimping when they accept money for the ad? After all that money is probably proceeds of the act?

That is like saying the phone company, the ISP, the gas stations, clothing stores, etc...etc... would all also be on the hook... who knows who else. I think everyone in the world would be at risk if that were the case.

In the USA however (in some states) they have a "promoting prostitution law" and I know one newspaper was charged for allowing an ad to be placed in the classified section. I am glad we don't have those laws here!

Ya we have it alright but it is not that good, as a legit business person I would like to be involved in the industry and I think I could be an asset but legally I cannot be involved.

My thoughts exactly. No real way around the law for that. That is why it needs work. If they ever license bawdy house's in Canada I will look for the Dummpy Mansion!